Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nick on November 25, 2012 at 3:24am

Great post! I've enjoyed reading everyone's reply and feel that they all add valid points to the discussion. Personally, I am conflicted on this issue. I have wanted to stop playing video games altogether for a while now. Having grown up in the 90s, video games have constantly been (in some way or another) apart of my life. They were fun as a child, and I would be lying if I said that they weren't still fun now, but at 25, I can't help but feel guilty after playing a game; they simply make me feel like a little boy. 

I agree that there are benefits to video games. In fact, I've used foreign strategy games to better my German and flex my "mind muscles", etc. But really, that is nothing a German grammar book or game of chess couldn't also do. What sort of satisfaction or insight do I gain from playing Madden, Fifa or Gran Turismo? It is simply my way of acting out a childish fantasy; that of being the "professional race car driver", or the "star quarterback". I see that as something children do, not men. 

The countless thousands of dollars I have poured into gaming consoles over the years could have also been more wisely spent (or saved). I could have used the money as a downpayment for a house, a trip to Europe, a clunker of a car to rebuild, etc. Imagine the fond memories, life experiences and practical know-how I could have gained from such endeavors? Not to mention the satisfaction, pride, confidence and sense of accomplishment that comes with such events. What sorts of memories do video games leave me? People gawk at games like GTA, at the "living, breathing world" you can experience. But we live in something far more extraordinary and amazing than those bits and bytes could ever create. There is a whole world out there, with unlimited experiences and interactions to come across. Go explore it! 

For those who are avid video game players, please do not take offense at this post. It was not meant to be hostile, nor was this directed at anyone in particular. Different strokes for different folks. But I actually realize now that it may have been directed to myself. Personally, it's time to stop playing video games. 

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Permalink Reply by Jeff "Jeffro" Kylberg on November 25, 2012 at 3:32pm

Electronic Mind Rot! Find something profitable to do with your time. Turn your idle time into something that rewards you with tangible results. Endevour to strengthen your mind and body,build some new skills that allow you to contribute to society and not become a burden upon it. Killing cyber zombies only profits the billionaire who made the game and turned you into a cheap beer swilling,Dorito eating,tub of lard couch potato and this is not a manly habit. Do you think a real man like Teddy Rosevelt, George Sears, John Wayne, Ben Johnson, Alvin York or Audie Murphy would have wasted their life on something as frivilous as video games?

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Permalink Reply by Adrian Quiroga Cantú on November 26, 2012 at 5:05pm

"Killing cyber zombies only profits the billionaire who made the game and turned you into a cheap beer swilling,Dorito eating,tub of lard couch potato and this is not a manly habit."

Thanks, sir, for proving my point when I talked about shallow, close-minded stereotypes.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff "Jeffro" Kylberg on November 27, 2012 at 2:42pm

Yes kind Sir, I am an old, shallow and close-minded curmudgeon and I am the one who proved your point and you may bask and gloat in that fact as for myself I will enjoy the fact that thousands of twenty year olds prove me right every day.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on November 27, 2012 at 3:12pm

"Do you think a real man like Teddy Rosevelt, George Sears, John Wayne, Ben Johnson, Alvin York or Audie Murphy would have wasted their life on something as frivilous as video games?"

 

Do you figure they'd have wasted time posting on an internet forum?

 

John Wayne was an actor ... his life was dedicated to the frivolous. He lived in Hollywood and did a guest spot on I Love Lucy. This is not a life entirely dedicated to serious issues or genuine heroism. So was Ben Johnson (assuming you're talking about the actor and not the sprinter).

 

Roosevelt was a sport hunter. He wasted quite a bit of time on that hobby. Everybody has their time-wasters -- even Roosevelt, Sears and York ... and especially Wayne and Johnson. If the point is to enjoy yourself, consider it time well-wasted.

 

JB

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Permalink Reply by Loki on November 30, 2012 at 5:04pm

It's a hobby. Not every hobby needs a definitive 'skill builder' (example: carpentry, learning a new instrument/language etc.) they all have a measurable level of progress. video games are just fun. EVeryone needs to unwind, blow off steam, and just chill out. 

I play video games but I don't have cable I do not watch tv. So I equate it to that. Some people are going to sit and watch tv for 2+ hours. I don't, I"ll play games with some friends for an hour or 2. Not every day but several times a week.

It's like everything. All about balance. I like hosting little shin digs and get togethers (I have a bar in my place). But I don't do it every weekend or my liver would be destroyed.

As long as you're not wasting away every single moment of free time sitting in front of the computer/tv/whatever have at it man. enjoy your video gaming time.

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Permalink Reply by Dalton McLaughlin on February 12, 2013 at 7:43am

I believe it depends on what kind of video games you play. If you play strategy or puzzle games like Starcraft, Tetris, or even Portal, video games can be great to increase critical thinking and relieving stress. Always keep it in moderation though. I like to play for no more than an hour a day.

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