CCES is undergoing a crisis similar to a zombie apocalypse. Many students, especially seniors, have been swept off their feet by an extreme addiction. Geometry Dash.
Geometry dash is a game where a player navigates a moving icon, usually a square, to avoid spikes and other obstacles until the end of level. The levels filled with flashing lights, music, and neon colors progressively get harder and harder, increasing addiction. The game is fast paced and frustrating when a player dies, but the victory of beating a level is oh so satisfying.
You can pick out one of these so-called “dashers” out of a crowd by certain factors. They will have a sideways phone and will be constantly tapping on their screen. While “dashing” the addict loses a sense of humanity, almost like a zombie. You can see something missing in their eyes if you look closely.
You must beware when around one of these “dashers”. If interrupted they can lash out in a vicious manner. Whether that’s verbal or physical abuse, it always ends ugly. I have actually had a first hand experience when I accidentally bumped into Steele Riddle, an avid “dasher”. He was about to beat a level and I messed him up which filled him with anger and led to a bombardment of profanity towards me.
Reeves Dobson, a CCES senior, is known for his crippling Geometry Dash addiction. Reeves is a full blown addict. Reeves has an average screen time of 4 hours and 17 minutes a day. He has deteriorated and destroyed relationships with his family and friends.
While interviewing Hutch Paddock, one of Reeves’ life long friends, things got emotional. He started to tear up and it really showed how much he is being affected. Hutch states, “A lot of times I just want to spend time with him, but he is always on his phone. He is a completely different person. I want the Reeves I once knew to come back. I really miss him.” He also went into detail about how severe his addiction is. “He just plays this one level he can’t beat. He has over 6000 attempts on it. Those are 6000 conversations we could have had.” I had to step away for a second and collect myself during the interview due to how emotional it was. When asked about the emotions Reeves’ addiction makes him feel, Hutch replied, “It makes me feel small, and not important. It’s like I don’t even exist to him.”
After countless tries of trying to get in touch with Reeves, I finally got a hold of him and he agreed to an interview.
Reeves was almost unrecognizable when we came into contact. He was extremely difficult and kept going on his phone to dash during the interview. He would go into a nonverbal state for minutes while dashing and I had to have some patience.
Here’s how it went:
Reid: “How long have you been dashing?”
Reeves: “Um like… I don’t remember”
Reid: “What is dashing to you?”
Reeves: “It’s a game. It’s a lifestyle. It’s a way to do something I like and escape.”
Reid: “Do you see it as a problem?”
Reeves: “No, not at all.”
Reid: How are your relationships with your family and friends?
Reeves: “They are good.”
Reid: “Have they changed at all?
Reeves: “No. I just need to dash.” *picks up phone*
Reid: “Reeves you have a problem please put up the phone. Me as well as many of your friends are seriously worried about you.”
Reeves: “ indistinct mumbling. Dash. Must dash. More indistinct mumbling. *starts to drool*
Reid: Alright, I guess we are done.
Reeves: “indistinct mumbling. *silence*
It was extremely hard to get the shortest answers out of Reeves. He seemed strung out and in a state of confusion. This was very hard for me to do and witness how badly his health and appearance has deteriorated.
Geometry Dash hasn’t just taken Reeves’ life, many others have been affected. The game is affecting students’ performance in school, destroying their relationships with their family and friends, and ultimately turning them into robots.
This game is more evil than meets the eye. If something isn’t done soon, every student at CCES will be hypnotized into a phone tapping, drooling, lifeless zombie. 
