As the world of technology began to transform the way people lived and worked, a peculiar phenomenon started to emerge – computer addiction. A 1983 BBC report, recently rediscovered in the archives, sheds light on the early days of this affliction, as it affected individuals from all walks of life.
Chris, a local council employee, was one of the first subjects featured in the report. His office workstation was equipped with a massive Commodore machine, and he would often spend his lunch breaks playing Mr. Do! at a nearby pub. This was not an isolated incident, as Chris would continue to indulge in computer gaming in the evening, much to the dismay of his wife who felt neglected and abandoned by his constant absence.
The report highlights the devastating impact of computer addiction on social relationships, with Chris’s marriage on the brink of collapse. His friends and family were equally affected, as the obsession with computers left little time for human interaction. This theme of disconnection was amplified by the report’s visit to Graham Hawker, a home-based gamer who had abandoned his social life in favor of his screen.
Graham’s justification for his behavior was that the computer was a perfect machine, devoid of mistakes and imperfections. He believed that the predictability of the digital world was more appealing than the uncertainty of human relationships. This perspective was not unique to Graham, as many individuals who were drawn to computers during this period found solace in their programmed world.
The Dawn of Computer Addiction in the Early 1980s
Contrastingly, Phyllis Arrandale, a senior citizen, presented a more uplifting picture. An avid computer user and hobbyist, Phyllis took pride in building her own machines. Her infectious enthusiasm and sense of accomplishment were palpable as she discussed her latest project, which she hoped would lead to even greater technological feats in the future.
As the report came to a close, it was striking to consider the relatively low cost of home computers in the UK during this period. In 1982, just a year prior to the report, there were approximately 700,000 home computers in the country, with the most basic models costing around 70 British pounds ($88 U.S.) and more advanced systems priced at two to three times that amount.
This pioneering era of computer addiction serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked technological zeal. As technology continues to evolve and permeate our daily lives, it is essential to maintain a healthy balance between our digital and human connections. The BBC’s rediscovered report offers a fascinating Look into the early days of computer addiction, a phenomenon that remains relevant to this day.
