Battling holoaddiction

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

To prevent somebody from becoming addicted to the holodeck, or forgetting about the real world, why has nobody thought of this?

Before leaving the holodeck or every so often while inside, (unless red alert is up or somebody has called you urgently), the computer pauses the program and asks you a series of questions to assess your understanding that there is a difference between the real world and the holodeck - the same way someone who has been knocked unconscious is asked about their name, what day it is, etc. - concussion protocols and what have you.

If you answer incorrectly, the computer either aids you in re-acclimatizing - maybe it also shows you an update of what is happening on the ship to familiarize you with what you left behind and are stepping into - or, if you're in too deep, dispatches a member of the medical staff.

 

[2takesfrakes]

VOYAGER'S Harry Kim is damned lucky that the holodeck on his ship runs on its own, independent energy source, as he's pretty much the only holo-addict, aboard. He gets antsy, when his shift's over and someone's already using it. He's actually left a track in the carpet, from all of his pacing, when that happens - because the game never ends when your whole world depends on holodeck availability.

 

[DonIago]

I'd think it would be easier to simply impose quotas on holodeck time. Of course, if you're in Starfleet, you probably won't be able to develop holoaddiction without others noticing.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

You can go down the holo-rabbit hole very quickly, or it can even affect your thinking after you leave the deck. In which case the problem doesn't end simply by having a time limit.

 

[DonIago]

I'm not clear on specific incidents that support that notion, or how the computer asking questions will be significantly effective. After all, the best addicts become expert at hiding their bad habits.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Well, it might help to avoid disorientation, at the very least.