I do not consider myself to have an “addictive personality”. Aside from the monster bowl of ice cream, I can easily walk away from any pursuit to concentrate on something new to balance my brain and its synapses.
That was until I was introduced to the game “Words with Friends”. You know, that online game that is so similar to Scrabble, but you play it virtually with friends from near and far?
Now I k
now why Alec Baldwin got so snappy on his flight when the crew asked him to kindly power down his electronic device. He was playing “Words with Friends” And I suspect that my obsession is pretty close in line with his.
Admittedly I am not that good at the game. For the past 5 weeks, my friends have consistently beat me at every game. I admire my friends, they are smart with words. But I can’t stop playing. I am a glutton for punishment – please Tom in Maryland, beat me by 300 points just so I can have the pleasure of connecting with you. Shelley in Minnesota just placed 5 tiles that totaled 56 points….statistically; I am going to lose that game! And my sister in New Jersey is getting me back for all those times I beat her as a kid in any game we played.
Is this the next Pet Rock?
One Saturday evening it was evident that my nine friends playing all had the same plan for the evening: NOTHING. Granted, all of my friends live in other states making it impossible for an impromptu house party, but just think of how much fun it could have been if we could all connect in person?
Is this game a passing fad? In 10 years will we chuckle reminiscing about the phenomenon? Or, is the game a commentary on how technology has changed the way we connect and interact given that the American population is more mobile than ever? What do you think?
For now, I am just grateful to have a geographically diverse group of intelligent and witty friends who think enough of me to want to play.
Authentic and Irreverent.... 