InsideTech

Boingboing asked the question last week, so let's put it to a vote... Should recruiters avoid WoW or other MMORPG players?

I think I have an issue with how the poll options are worded.  I think the yes option should not be that it's an addiction, because that would be a whole seperate question.  I think the yes answer should stick to the topic, and be closer to "yes, MMORPG's can be a distraction & hinderance to work".  I can say that MMORPG's Can be a real addiction that seriously can ruin your life.  I'm not saying it necessarily hinders work with everyone that plays.  

My Example:

Cousin in-law, whome I shall call "D", has 2 very young children & a wife.  Both he & wife play wow nearly all day.  Wife has older daughter from previous marriage, who is basically psuedo mom to the 2 very young children.  Oldest of young children is now 5 and can't speak full sentences.  if he wants something, he points & grunts.  This child is niether retarded or disabled in any way- believe me, he has been tested, along with the younger, at 3yrs old.  He simply has not had the proper human interaction required to teach speech to a child.   His mother & father do not read to him, do not speak at him unless he has done something wrong.  They play WOW, & consider it their human interaction with life.  

That is a true addiction to WOW.  It exists.  This is why I can say "Chobbits", a supposedly cute fluffy girl anime, has a very dark horror-story nature to it.  

It's also why both me & my husband have disowned said cousin for the most part, and I refuse to step into their home for any reason.  I can't sit there & watch those 2 kids act the way they do...  It kills me.  I've thought about calling cps, but that would do no good, as they were already called a couple times because of the oldest, and haven't taken the 2 younger.  I would try for custody, but I can't afford to have them stay with us.  

needless to say, it's a horrible situation caused by addiction.  

As previously stated, I also do not think the after work hobbies or interests should be of concern to an employer as long as it is not illegal and does not have an impact on their work.

The whole idea that employers actually pay people to find stuff on the internet about the people they are looking at as a possible hire, irks me to no end.

Besides the fact that ANYONE can say ANYTHING about ANYONE on the internet, whether true or not...to me...invalidates most results.  And even if they do find credible information on the applicant....simple hobbies or interests (especially where personal sites are concerned) should not be a basis for an employment rejection.  To me it is discrimination.

But I reckon some people will do it just as some employers still discriminate based on sex, marital status, religion and so forth...they just won't tell you that's why you didn't get hired.

As long as they are not playing it at work, what's the difference? If they are playing it at work, then that's a problem.

MagiAwen says ...

The whole idea that employers actually pay people to find stuff on the internet about the people they are looking at as a possible hire, irks me to no end.

Besides the fact that ANYONE can say ANYTHING about ANYONE on the internet, whether true or not...to me...invalidates most results.  And even if they do find credible information on the applicant....simple hobbies or interests (especially where personal sites are concerned) should not be a basis for an employment rejection.  To me it is discrimination.

But I reckon some people will do it just as some employers still discriminate based on sex, marital status, religion and so forth...they just won't tell you that's why you didn't get hired.

Agreed, completely. It is descrimination. If they wanted it otherwise, why don't they hire lobbyists and TRY to pass a law mandating that be known upon hiring. Good luck with that.

I think all those Star Trek, A-team (mr T), & Ozzie Fans will have something to say about that... How many out there don't at least like ONE of those guys? (Yes, they REALLY have characters, & yes they REALLY play.)