addictions

Claims of Internet and video game addiction aren't getting any sympathy from bloggers. And if the so-called Internet addicted can't get understanding from people who spend much of their day on a computer, it's doubtful anyone else will buy it.

The Associated Press this week reports on a Reno, Nev., couple accused of criminal neglect of their two young children. A neighbor phoned police to report a child's incessant wailing, and when police arrived, they found garbage piled up, the couple playing video games and plenty of food and baby formula in the fridge. The children … Read more

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Under the Radar event last week, checking out the latest new media ideas and companies. But I did leave unhappy with several of the CEOs who presented there. The problem: They're building sites that pander to our worst instincts and fears.

The CEO of one of the gaming companies talked about his goal of bringing the "lapsed hardcore gamer" back into games, with the sharklike acumen of a crack dealer trying to prey on a recovering addict who's having a bad day. Then there was the gaming company CEO … Read more

You know those gamers--they spend hours on end hulled in smelly dark rooms with controllers in hand, ignoring social norms like sitting down for meals and showering once in awhile. Perhaps they're a little too into gaming.

But if a group of prominent doctors has their way, those gamers might end up diagnosed with video game addiction, a psychiatric disorder the American Medical Association will consider for official classification at its annual policy meeting beginning this weekend, according to several press accounts.

Given the overlap between bloggers and gamers, it's no surprise that the blogosphere is up in … Read more

Some of us at Crave are embarrassed to admit that we've yet to play our first game on a Wii. (Not everyone can be Caroline McCarthy, you know.)

But even we, in our extremely limited knowledge, can't help but question the value of a 7-inch Wii LCD like the one from Japan's Century cited by Gizmodo and pictured here. Isn't the fun of the Wii supposed to be doing active stuff like tennis and bowling?

Perhaps it was created for the serious Wii addict who has to carry it at all times. It may have an … Read more

There's no substitute for direct parental involvement, as we've said many times, but this gadget is worth noting for those moms and dads who simply can't control their kids' TV-viewing habits.

Plug the telly directly into the "TV Timer," and this digital disciplinarian will turn off the tube unwaveringly at the appointed hour. It cannot be bribed and won't succumb to tears or tantrums.

Going where the "Weemote" left off, the timer allows parents to program three viewing slots each day. But be forewarned: It will work just as effectively on spouses.… Read more

So you've gotten a "Weemote" to limit your kids' TV hours, but what happens when they get bored of Nick Jr. reruns and want to go online? Even if they've exceeded their allotted time, you know they'll try to find a way to sneak in a few games, especially if they're boys.

Those are situations that could call for the "Best Net Guard," a parental control device that comes in the form of a remote similar to one used to lock and unlock the car. If you're doing dishes in the … Read more

Crave has been remiss in our self-imposed obligation to issue public service announcements on a regular basis, and for that we sincerely apologize. So today we'll try to make up for our shortcomings by addressing the dreaded "BlackBerry Thumb" affliction.

New York spa Graceful Services is joining a trend started by major U.S. hotels and is offering a "BlackBerry Finger Massage," according to My: Tech News. We don't know of anyone personally who has undergone such treatment, but we wouldn't be surprised to hear that it was frequented by a certain celebrity … Read more

Coffee behemoth Starbucks has launched a new cell phone-based service that lets you efficiently locate the nearest store and feed your addiction get your caffeine buzz on. Starting today, when you send a text message with the ZIP code of your location to the number "MYSBUX" (697289), you'll receive another text with the addresses of the three nearest Starbucks locations. It won't cost you anything besides your cell phone plan's normal texting fees.

Only problem is, if you're wandering around in an unfamiliar city, you might not have any clue as to the exact … Read more

The world has been waiting for the ultimate all-in-one uber-device for years, only to be disappointed time and again. So many of us are destined, at least for now, to carry a few gadgets at a time. But where do you keep your cell phone, camera, MP3 player, PDA and anything else you can't do without?

Brookstone has one alternative with its "Technology-Ready Fleece Jacket," which goes where iPod apparel leaves off. The jacket has 12 hidden pockets designed to carry all your precious possessions, as well as a "patented routing system" for earbuds and … Read more