…let real child starve to death:
A computer-addicted couple let their real life baby starve to death while they raised a virtual daughter online, police said today.
The couple spent 12 hours a night at internet cafes while their three-month-old daughter was left home alone at their apartment in Suwon, South Korea. They were arrested today.
Police said they had become hooked on living online and were raising an avatar daughter through their profiles on a Second Life-style game called PRIUS.
Sometimes there are no words…
#1 by Lee on March 7th, 2010
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That is unbelievable. I don’t even… Sheesh, couldn’t they have left it a hospital or a police station or somewhere? D:
I just… faith in humanity, how to keep it?
#2 by Lowell Fulk on March 8th, 2010
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Take some comfort Lee, in knowing that what was posted here is an aberration first of all. This is not the norm, not even a trend really, only what is presented as such in order to make you depressed and discouraged as to the present state of human nature. Look around for yourself, make your own judgments based on the people you know and deal with every day, and tell me then whether you find this to be the case.
People are better than this and you know it. Have some faith and don’t let anyone tell you what you should believe. Think for yourself and let your own interactions with people shape your judgments, not those who would prey on your fears.
#3 by Anon on March 8th, 2010
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No one suggested it was the norm, Lowell. Doesn’t mean it’s unworthy of mention. And, in South Korea, the online obsession has caused other “aberrations”. From the article:
“Online games are massively popular in South Korea, with professional gamers becoming celebrities through live televised tournaments.
But critics say the popularity, which also nets huge profits for tech companies, comes at a steep price, with ever more bizarre incidents hitting the headlines.
A 28-year-old man dropped dead recently after playing his favourite game Starcraft for 50 hours non-stop without eating and drinking.
In another incident, a gamer, enraged that an opponent had killed the character he had put so much effort into creating, quickly found out his adversary’s location through a chat built into the game, took a taxi across town and stabbed him.”
#4 by Lowell Fulk on March 9th, 2010
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Sounds like South Korea has some problems. I wonder how wide spread? I know little about the online gaming community.
#5 by Lowell Fulk on March 9th, 2010
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And please know Anon, I feel terrible for the innocent child.
It is truly heart breaking and anger inducing to know how children can be and are abused and neglected. That phenomenon seems to be cross cultural. When I was on the school board we had to deal with some issues which would bend one’s mind. There are truly some people who are a waste of air…
#6 by Anon on March 9th, 2010
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Agreed, Lowell.