People use distractions all the time. Whether it's a soothing song in the background of morning traffic or whether it's going to a movie to escape the ordinary feeling of the workweek, distractions are everywhere. But what happens when distractions become obsessions?

Question

Many young people play video games as a way to distract or entertain themselves. However, many young people also become obsessed with video games. Young people need to be more responsible with their time and how they spend it. Playing video games is harmless until it becomes an addiction. Then, like anything else in excess, the distraction turns into the focal point of one's life.
According to 11th Annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card, "The majority of gamers between 6 and 18 years of age spend more than 20 hours a week playing video games. 40% of those say they play more than 30 hours a week gaming." That is an incredible number. This means that many young people who play video games spend as much time gaming as others spend at a part-time job.
Also, many gamers play indoors. Consider the statistic from 11th Annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card. This means that the majority of the people who play games play indoors. They rarely do any outside activities, including exercise.
In addition, most gamers who play video games play alone by themselves. When they do play games with others, it's usually done online because it's convenient. While they may interact with other gamers, rarely do they get to socialize with everyday people.
Not everyone who plays video games is compulsive. Many just play as a diversion. It's important for people to know that a diversion is just that, a temporary distraction. It isn't a career, it isn't family, and it isn't permanent.
9
What sentence could be added to persuade the audience that too much gaming is harmful?
A.
The cost of a current video game console can run anywhere from $99 to $699.
B.
There are many tournaments where gamers get together and play video games in a competition setting.
C.
Many of today's modern games have the capability to be played portably and away from home.
D.
How can people develop social skills if they never leave the house and never interact with other people?

Answer 1

D. How can people develop social skills if they never leave the house and never interact with other people?

This sentence directly addresses the potential harm of excessive gaming by highlighting the impact on social skills and real-life interactions, which reinforces the argument about the negative consequences of spending too much time gaming.