Gaming: What's the Hype?

So, I have to admit that cyberspace and these virtual worlds really are something else. Though I was born and raised in SoCal, my experience with the internet and the computer has been limited by my parents, which is strange seeing that my father is a tech manager for a large company. Instead of being taught the ins and outs of the computer and learning to cruise the internet, I was always encouraged to get out and play, read, or any leisure activity that involves movement.
This kind of mentality is rare in this contemporary world where computers dominate our mainstream culture. With this heavy dependence, the health of the world, especially Americans, is taking a toll. From sitting in front of the computer, numerous health studies have shown that hours spent typing and playing games can be hazardous for one's health. Because of the comotose and lethargic position that is required for using a computer, people are continually becoming obese. Over 30% of the youths in America are overweight and 80% of them will be obese adults. Researchers have found that this correlates with the amount of time spent in front of the T.V. or computer; the more hours spent on the devices, the more likely a child was to be obese. Furthermore, frequent typing and staring at a computer screen can cause vision problems, back problems, wrist problems, and a whole host of physical difficulties.
With these kinds of consequences, I can't understand why people will spend so much time in front of a computer, playing games like World of Warcraft. Wouldn't it be more productive to spend that time doing something else? I think that if people spent less time on these games and more time on their "real" or physical lives they might be more happy and free from needless physical injuries. I'm not saying we should get rid of video games all together, but it might be beneficial to start imposing limits on the amount of time adults and children spend playing them.