Daily Mail 'fabricated' anti-games article

By compl3x
in Gamers' Hangout

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

compl3x

Posted
Posted

Jd7lA.jpg

Several news outlets including the Daily Mail and BBC have been accused of "fabricating" an article claiming games are turning children into "zombies".

In its article headlined 'Stoned with tiredness: Generation of children are becoming zombies because of late-night gaming sessions, claims charity', the Mail states games such as FIFA 12 have caused a generation of children to become "living zombies".

Both the Mail - which often pushes an anti-gaming agenda - and the BBC quoted Robert Hart-Fletcher of charity Kids and Media as saying: "Gaming is a phenomenon that's been around quite a while. Now we are starting to see the effects in behaviour of young people.

"In the past people had genuine relationships with empathy and compassion which has been replaced by this virtual relationship where they are not necessarily having to show empathy or compassion. That's starting perhaps to change the way they interact on a day to day basis."

However, Hart-Fletcher has come out to claim the quotes attributed to him in the articles are 'completely fabricated', and that he's in fact a proponent of gaming for children, provided they're suitable and played in moderation.

"Our stance is that gaming, being in constant contact with friends and playing with other gamers around the world, is good for most kids most of the time," Mr. Hart-Fletcher told BeefJack.

"While people can over-use games or smartphones, they can over-use anything - and that's no reflection of the value of the activity."

Mr. Hart-Fletcher supposedly provided an MP3 file of the interview to prove the comments are indeed erroneous.

The BBC has since amended its story to "clear" up the comments, while the Mail story - complete with picture of man dressed as a zombie - is still live.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/333867/daily-mail-fabricated-anti-games-article/

Grand Master

Dotdot

Posted
Posted

Papers get closed for hacking phones, but its perfectly acceptable to report on what is little more than made up bull ****?? Should this be against there code of conduct?

Not to mention that if I was the developer of a certain Football game Id be looking at making a case of slander. Mind you this is nothing new, the papers have been at this for years. I once heard that if something is said to have come from "sources" where no name is given or the attachment is vague, then chances are its been made up.

I've always liked it being referred to as the Daily Heil, moslty due to it being a supporter of the Nazi's back in the early 30's under Lord Rothesmere ;)

My Gran refuses to read it for the same reason, shes 90 and remembers Lord Rothesmere`s bs propaganda well.

Mentor

Paul Ferson Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

I'm surprised the Daily Mail still operates, since it's about the only thing they haven't yet declared causes cancer. The list of links on that Facebook page of things that cause cancer to Daily Mail readers is fantastic.

Grand Master

compl3x

Posted
  • Author
Posted

It was the Daily Mail, the BBC and several other news vendors... Yet only the Daily Mail had it's name plastered all over the article..

The Daily Mail was the source of the fabrication. The daily mail has had an anti-gaming agenda for a long time. The BBC amended the story. Seems fairly obvious why The DM is being singled out.

Grand Master

Chicane-UK Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Daily Mail lacking in journalistic integrity? I won't hear it!

But then on the flip side of that, it wouldn't surprise me if the message is fundamentally true... I know if I spend too long playing games I end up feeling an utter wreck.. can't over emphasise how much better I feel after a day outdoors, doing stuff, etc! I try limit myself to 1-2 hour sessions tops a couple of times a week!

Grand Master

compl3x

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Daily Mail lacking in journalistic integrity? I won't hear it!

But then on the flip side of that, it wouldn't surprise me if the message is fundamentally true... I know if I spend too long playing games I end up feeling an utter wreck.. can't over emphasise how much better I feel after a day outdoors, doing stuff, etc! I try limit myself to 1-2 hour sessions tops a couple of times a week!

The point the article was trying to make was that because of "virtual realities" people are losing compassion and empathy for others. You might feel wrecked after a long session, that is true of all of us, but I don't think it effects your humanity in anyway. You don't become amoral because of video games.

Mentor

Xerax

Posted
Posted

The Daily Mail was the source of the fabrication. The daily mail has had an anti-gaming agenda for a long time. The BBC amended the story. Seems fairly obvious why The DM is being singled out.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • This is how much iPhone 18 Pro could cost after Apple's price hike confirmed

      By Steven P. · Posted

      Kind of glad I upgraded to S26 Ultra 1TB this year, with trade-in and discounts it cost me €1199, that's only €119 more than the S23 Ultra (256 GB) cost me. Last time I bought it via my phone provider outright with committing to two years, now via Samsung.com I reckon the S27 series will be more expensive too.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By PsYcHoKiLLa · Posted

    • Neowin's 2026 Desktop Thread

      By TCA · Posted

      Yes. Yes, I would.
    • Save 66% on a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for Apple or Android

      By News Staff · Posted

      Save 66% on a MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card for Apple or Android by Steven Parker Never Lose Anything Again with MagTag Today's highlighted deal comes via our Gear + Gadgets section of the Neowin Deals store where you can save 66% on this MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card - Works with Apple Find My App. Keep track of your world with MagTag, a sleek, ultra-slim, reliable tracker that’s built to help you safeguard your most important items. In the size of a credit card, just 1.5mm thick, you can slip MagTag easily into your wallet, backpack, passport pouch luggage…etc. Integrated seamlessly with Apple’s FindMy app, MagTag offers precise real-time global tracking, instant left-behind alerts, loud location beeping, and a long-lasting rechargeable battery. Whether you’re heading to work, on vacation, or simply running errands, MagTag ensures you never lose what matters most. No item left behind Precision Global Tracking: Works seamlessly with the Apple FindMy app, providing real-time tracking anywhere in the world, powered by the vast Apple network. Ultra Slim Design: At just 1.5mm thick and the size of a credit card, MagTag slips easily into your wallet, passport pouch, backpack, or luggage. Instant Alerts: Receive notifications the moment you leave behind your valuables, and locate them easily with a loud beeping sound. Versatile Attachment Options: With a built-in keyring hole, attach MagTag to keys, ID lanyards, kids’ bags, or name tags for easy access and protection. Long Battery Life & Wireless Charging: Lasts up to 5 months on a single charge and can be easily recharged with any Qi wireless charger. Durable & Waterproof: IP68 waterproof and dustproof built to withstand your adventures, perfect for vacations and everyday use, no matter where life takes you. Specs Color: Black Materials: ABS Dimensions: 0.05" x 3.35" x 2.13" (1.5mm x 85mm x 54mm) Ultra-slim Apple FindMy App Built-in keyring hole Battery life: up to 5 months Charging: Qi wireless IP68 rating (waterproof, dustproof) Manufacturer's 90-day warranty Good to know Ships to US Expected Delivery: Expected Delivery: Jun 23 - Jul 2 All sales final. This item is excluded from coupons. Here's the deal: This MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card (for Apple or Android) normally costs $59.99, but you can pick it up for just $19.99 for a limited time - that represents a saving of $19. For a full description, specs, and shipping info, click the link below. MagTag Ultra Slim Tracker Card now just $19.99 (was $59.99) Get the two-pack and save 70% Ships only to Contiguous US Support queries If you have queries or need support for any of the Neowin Deals, please use the contact form here. Neowin Deals are managed and sold by StackCommerce who represent Neowin on an affiliate basis. Why we post these deals We post these because we earn commission on each sale so as not to rely solely on advertising, which many of our readers block. It all helps toward paying staff reporters, servers and hosting costs. So for those that keep moaning and complaining, be thankful we're still online for you to even do that. Other ways to support Neowin Whitelist Neowin by not blocking our ads Create a free member account to see fewer ads Make a donation to support our day to day running costs Subscribe to Neowin - for $14 a year, or $28 a year for an ad-free experience Disclosure: Neowin benefits from revenue of each sale made through our branded deals site powered by StackCommerce.
    • I never knew Windows had a "hidden" collection of tools

      By jordanspringer · Posted

      I cannot believe this is a news post from Neowin. This should be embarassing, coming from a "senior editor". Is it your first day using Windows?! Maybe it's time to find a new Windows news site.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Huge Trailer earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Classifyskilleducation earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      eurospharma62 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      With What earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      Harris Gilbert earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      586
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      169
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      73
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      66
    5. 5
      ATLien_0
      64
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!