OK Computer!

My art director (the guy who designs the ads) told me about an interesting phenomena yesterday. Since he sits all day on the computer using software like Corel Draw and Photoshop, the effects of the software linger on long after he's left the office.

Like for example, whenever he does something wrong, he finds his fingers reaching out for Ctrl + Z cos his brain is saying 'Undo'. So if he's forgotten to carry his cellphone to office, his fingers reach for an imaginary Ctrl + Z. The same if he spills some coffee, or takes a wrong turn while driving his car.

He says that the effect is getting more pronounced every month. It is growing from a physcal act to a mental one. He finds himself wondering if he can 'Undo' words he has said, things he has done.

And I believe him. Something similar happens to me when I play NFS of FIFA 06 on the X-box for too long. It becomes difficult to drive normally on the road. You keep wanting to go to Nitro everytime you get a straight stretch of road. Similary, I keep wanting to press A or B to pass or score while watching a Football match on TV.

So of the effects of a 5 hour game is so pronounced, what about using the same software everday for over 7 hours at a stretch, 6 days a week, 4 odd weeks a month, 12 months an year.

So there might be something to the entire "Don't let kids play violent games" debate. After here we are two grown up, educated people feeling compulsion that don't make sense. The effects on an impressionable mind must be more pronounced.

Hmmmmmmm!!