Posted
by Joel Mathis
July 17, 2005 at 2:58 p.m.
Video killed the reality star
A few years back, sitting on the front porch of a downtown coffee shop, I couldn't help but eavesdrop as a young woman told a friend about the end of her marriage.The culprit, she said, was video games. Her husband had spent almost all his free time in front of a computer, hours upon hours spent battling fictitious armies and fighting space aliens. The gameplaying left him little time or energy for his wife.Which she resented, of course."At the end, I didn't know which he loved more - the computer or me," the young woman said.She's not alone. Video games are taking over, well, everything. USA Today reported last week that a child is six times more likely to play a video game than to ride a bike in any given day.And adults, like myself, are not immune.On a recent Friday night, I had dinner with a colleague, then went straight to an XBox to play "Halo," a shoot-'em-up game featuring space monsters and robot betrayals. Seven hours later - at 3 a.m. - I finally put the controller down.A beautiful summer evening, when downtown Lawrence was hopping, and I had spent it in a basement, alone, working on a case of carpal tunnel syndrome. I quickly resolved to go cold turkey on the video games.My generation is the first to grow up with virtual fun. I have fond memories of playing "Galaga" and "Space Invader" in the arcades as a youngster, of envying the Ataris and then Nintendos that my friends owned.The expectation, I guess, was that we would outgrow it all. We didn't.My freshman year in college was the heyday of the best sports video game ever: "Super TecmoBowl" on Nintendo, which was, I believe, the first game that allowed you to play a full NFL season using real NFL rosters. About 30 guys started a round-the-clock NFL season that went on for two weeks, until a champion had been decided - on several occasions, I was awakened at 2:30 in the morning to go play my league game.Another time, a buddy and I rented a Nintendo over Christmas break and played games until 6 a.m.Even now, I know grown men who spend a good chunk of their nonworking hours in front of a computer screen, seeing how many home runs they can rack up in a computer baseball game or wiping out opposing armies.I'm not sure all this is entirely healthy.Don't get me wrong: Video games are fun. But they're often a solitary pursuit, and addictive to boot - to the point where young men like myself accidentally end up forsaking real human contact for a made-up world.I'd rather have the real world. Maybe it's not as colorful as exciting as virtual reality - but at least there aren't any space monsters trying to kill me.
and 19 others
Comments
Lawrence.com does not necessarily agree with comments posted below - responsibility lies with the relevant user alone. Read our full policy.
Freakshow (anonymous) says…
You don't think that the Bush Crime Family has been breeding with alien reptiles?
chrisgladfelter (anonymous) says…
I lost interest in video games when they began to require people to buy "strategy guides" and download cheat sheets from the Internet.
"Dragon's Lair" pretty much set the limit on how complex of a game I could handle.
Dazie (Aileen Dingus) says…
I'm with you Chris. When my son asked me to dl "cheat sheets" I refused and immediately became the "bad old mom" of the neighborhood.
My answer was that we don't cheat in our family, and if he needed to cheat to win, perhaps he shouldn't be playing those games.
chewyfally (Falestine Afani Ruzik) says…
. . . .i KNOW i'm not the only one who's ever tried to shoot the dog in "duckhunt."
thetom (anonymous) says…
My worst experience (best lesson) so far is an on-line game called "Toon Town". I thought this would be great for my 5 yr old. Wrong. What I didn't know about rpg is that your character is worthless until you play for about - I don't know - 40 HOURS (I'm not a gamer). Well I killed some cogs and got some gags so he could kill some cogs. Come to find out, the average user was 30+. My son kept wanting to go to the next level, and I was spending all my time getting him there. The final straw was an update that crashed my OS.
I bought him a new bike.
DavidRose (anonymous) says…
At least her dorky husband probably wouldn't be able to find anyone to cheat with on her. Where's Pat Croce when you really need him?
I convince myself to think I'm too old for video games but not to think about the amount of time I spend reading blogs, reading celebrity news, and watching 38 The Spot.
Do you have weird withdrawl symptoms when you quit video games cold turkey?
lazz (anonymous) says…
Problem with video games is, Asteroids still rules, and it's 25 years old.
alm77 (anonymous) says…
Don't be jealous of those of us who had the Nintendo. The Christmas that I got it, I played Tetris for so many hours I was sick. I woke up my mom in the middle of the night to tell her I thought I was going to throw up. She and my dad laughed at me and told me it was because I'd been glued to the game for so long. Then they tucked me in bed and I didn't play the game the next day.
I, too, tried to shoot the dog in Duck Hunt. That snicker drove me nuts.
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
The problem is as inherent in video games as it is in books, movies, music or any other distraction. Video games are simply another medium for entertainment. It's as valid as any other.
There is no mysterious MSG-like substance in video games. It takes the same will to stop playing as it does to stop listening, reading or watching.
Well over half of American gamers are over the age of 25. The days of games being just for kids died in the mid 90s.
And there is no requirement to buy strategy guides or download cheat sheets. Those are always optional. Again, the will of the person.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Maybe I just have an addictive personality, then, Matt... but a LOT of people do, judging by the state of things.
But you raise a valid point about entertainment media. I've wondered on occasion -- and I admit to having a Puritan streak in me that surfaces now and again -- if we, as a society, aren't entertaining ourselves entirely too much. That's a half-formed thought, but the videogames would be an example of it.
BobDarkAvenger (anonymous) says…
I gotta agree with Matt. I think I've found myself up at 3 a.m. reading a book or watching a movie just as much as playing videogames. I don't think it's video games themselves that are a problem. Just too much of a good thing.
leslie (Leslie vonHolten) says…
I'd wager that video games are not the source of pale, obese kids, but rather a symptom of societal change. I'd love for my son to ride his bike more than play video games, but we don't have idiots on cell phones racing their SUVs through our living room like we do in the street. There are also benefits to the games I never predicted: adherence to a narrative, learning to read, and a common interest with his peers.
I'm very interested in the theory that we're overly entertained. I wonder how many of us have interior lives left, inner dialogues that are unencumbered by the media. I know mine isn't what it used to be.
cfdxprt (anonymous) says…
Oh video games...I'm an engineer and sit in front of a computer for WAY too long everyday, so when I'm done the last thing I want to see is something computer generated...I bought a PS2 from a friend, and I've yet to hook it up. I've known a dude who got divorced because of an inability to stray from the computer and have real personal interaction. Want a real video game, here's a link - that's about as complex as I can handle. But yes sometimes I can piss away hours...
http://www.seethru.co.uk/zine/south_c...
Everyone go ride your bike more! I do at least 300 miles a week, there's my time waster and it's good for you!
cvillehawk (anonymous) says…
"The problem is as inherent in video games as it is in books, movies, music or any other distraction. Video games are simply another medium for entertainment. It's as valid as any other."
One difference I can see is that when I read a book, I'm not trying to meet some artificial criteria for "advancement". I keep reading because I'm emotionally engaged with the characters and want to know "what happens next". An article I read compared coming home from your job and hopping into another world to do repetitive tasks was comparable to working a second job on your own time.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
On books vs. games: I've actually also contemplated whether I spend too much time reading, rather than engaging real people in real life. The answer, as always (and with games, probably), is probably moderation, moderation, moderation.
I'm fascinated with Leslie's mention of "interior lives unencumbered by the media." I once wrote on this site that sometimes, when I daydream, I daydream that I'm a Jedi. I was joking ... but also not joking.
I find myself wanting to make the case that books require more patience and more effort from a participant than does a video game, but given the complexity of today's games I'm not sure that's true... different parts of the brain, perhaps, but still a bit of engagement. It's probably time to ask the scientists who do those CAT scan experiments what they think.
Sara (anonymous) says…
Check out Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business. It was written in the '80s, but a lot of the arguments he makes about TV and movies would also apply to video games. And what about the new Everything Bad is Good for You? Apparently a lot of video games, tv shows, etc. are actually making people more complex thinkers.
Mostly, though, I'm with Joel. Moderation is key. Too much of anything probably isn't good. Then again, nobody's yelling at classical musicians who practice their instruments 12 hours a day.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Moderation, though, is not a natural tendency ... at least, not in me. Whether it's video games or food or other enjoyable things, my instinct is to consume until bloated. I've got to cultivate my moderation, which isn't easy, which is why I tend to go cold turkey rather than find a middle ground.
As for the side effects of cold turkey quitting games ... I haven't achieved full cold-turkey status, admittedly, but last night I had long and frightening dreams about zombies.
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Cville- Very good point. Books, movies and TV are strictly passive. We can't affect the outcome of any show, novel or movie. Video games are active. They require more brain power and basic interactive skills to be rewarding. Most video game kids develop problem solving, math and comprehension skills way before their peers.
As far as the saturation of entertainment? Well, it's inevitable. Everything we do ultimately revolves around us trying to stimulate ourselves. Even something as selfless as helping the homeless gives us a "good feeling."
Entertainment in its most basic form is not limited to media. There are only active and passive forms of stimulation.
Active entertainment - playing a sport, setting off fireworks, eating, video games, contributing to online forums, etc.
Passive - Novels, Music, Movies, Magazines, newspapers.
In whatever we do, there is ALWAYS an element of "what we get out of it" no matter if we're willing to admit it or not.
"What we get out of it" = stimulation = some sort of enjoyment = entertainment in its most basic form
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Joel -
Exactly. Workaholics, game-aholics, eat-aholics all exist. There are particualr weaknesses based on the individual, not inherent in the form of entertainment.
It is definitely about the will of moderation.
Ryckert (Dan Ryckert) says…
A few people on this blog have the right idea.....others are way off.
First off, it's retarded to not let your kid play videogames because he wants a strategy guide. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
"Moderation" has already been mentioned, and that's really the key to anything. Taken in too large of quantities, anything can be harmful. Food, alcohol, porn, the internet, TV, and yes...videogames. The key is not being an idiot, and realizing when your hobby starts to take over your actual life.
Also, I can think of WAY worse things to kill time with. Playing a few hours of Metal Gear Solid is far more mentally stimulating than sitting through a prime-time block of Fear Factor, American Idol, and Room Raiders.
And to that one guy...yes, I've tried to shoot the dog in Duck Hunt.
ladylaw (Terry Bush) says…
What constitutes computer and video game addiction? Let me suggest a check list:
Symptoms of computer or video game addiction:
For children:
* Most of non-school hours are spent on the computer or playing video games.
* Falling asleep in school.
* Not keeping up with assignments.
* Worsening grades.
* Lying about computer or video game use.
* Choosing to use the computer or play video games, rather than see friends.
* Dropping out of other social groups (clubs or sports).
* Irritable when not playing a video game or on the computer.
For adults:
* Computer or video game use is characterized by intense feelings of pleasure and guilt.
* Obsessing and pre-occupied about being on the computer, even when not connected.
* Hours playing video games or on the computer increasing, seriously disrupting family, social or even work life.
* Lying about computer or video game use.
* Experience feelings of withdrawal, anger, or depression when not on the computer or involved with their video game.
* May incur large phone or credit bills for on-line services.
* Can't control computer or video game use.
* Fantasy life on-line replaces emotional life with partner.
There are even physical symptoms that may point to addiction:
* Carpal tunnel syndrome.
* Sleep disturbances
* Back, neck aches
* Headaches
* Dry eyes
* Failure to eat regularly or neglect personal hygiene
For the computer or video game addicted person, a fantasy world on-line or in a game has replaced his or her real world. The virtual reality of the computer or game is more inviting than the every day world of family, school or work. With the increased access to pornography on the Internet and in games, this fantasy world may be highly sexual.
The first step to healing is to recognize the symptoms. If you recognize yourself in any of this...get help!! Before you lose everything in life that you value! Unless, of course, you like being that troll in the basement who has no friends, job, or life......
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Well, let's not take moderation to extremes...
And let's not present false choices. The alternative to gameplaying is not only watching crap TV.
Gamer sez: "Exactly. Workaholics, game-aholics, eat-aholics all exist. There are particualr weaknesses based on the individual, not inherent in the form of entertainment."
I'm not sure that's exactly what I'd say. It's interesting you use the "-aholics" suffix, because that started with "alcoholic." I'd say that alcohol is a consumable -- and isn't entertainment just another consumable -- with a tendency to grab people's weaknesses more severely than, say, chocoholism.
Again, this may be the puritan streak talking, but I suspect -- suspect, not know -- that videogames are similar in their ability to inspire addiction. Maybe this is just prejudice (or that puritan streak, again) on my part.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
ladylaw's addiction sampler: "* Obsessing and pre-occupied about being on the computer, even when not connected"
I had a buddy in college (he posts here, occasionally, from Canada) who could get lost in his thoughts at mealtimes thinking up strategies for Madden NFL. We've ALL done it.
cfdxprt (anonymous) says…
Ladylaw makes some excellent points, I just wanted to expand on one, since I'm an expert.
Carpal Tunnel SUCKS! I got it through the job, not through gameplay, but if you hit enough keys, move a mouse a bunch or just mess with a controller long enough, it'll happen! There's mornings when I can't even pick up my cup of coffee because the pain is THAT bad. Then there's times where it doesn't bother me for a month...I know at some point I'll have to go get cut on to fix it, but I almost got killed by a drunk driver at 18 and had to go through way too much surgery then. So I've got issues with voluntarily going under the knife. Then again, coffee is good, and preferably not drunk through a straw...
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
ladylaw-
I think it's dangerous to assume those symptoms are reserved for the video game world.
Careers, anyone?
Why do we tend to attack the mere existence of something as the demon when, in reality, it's poor choices?
Video Games are not an apple. We aren't Eve. If we partake of video games, we aren't automatically subject to the fall of interacting with real society.
Also, if we're talking children, video games aren't the problem. Parents are.
I do not deny that video games represent an alternate reality with interaction, but like any other addiction whether consumable or not, it takes choice. It's the parents' resposibility to teach and lead so that the child makes better choices, and above all, finds balance.
But, with ANY addiction, it takes courage to address it, and get help. I am with you there.
(Is anyone REALLY surprised that 'gamer' is sticking up for his area of expertise?) :)
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Gamer sez: "Why do we tend to attack the mere existence of something as the demon when, in reality, it's poor choices?"
I'd agree that a video game cartridge, in an of itself, has no moral agency.
But: I think certain objects and activities lend themselves more easily to poor choices -- or more dire consequences -- than others. There's a reason we don't let people engage in certain activities until they're 16, 18 or 21.
And you do hear about harmful exercise addictions ... but not that often. Purely anecdotally, I've heard more stories about marriages ended over video games than marriages ended over reading.
I'm not suggesting everybody should throw out they're game systems, and they wouldn't anyway. But I do think that -- for me, at least -- gameplaying is more addictive than many other activities ... and that I should consider my choices in that realm more carefully, as a result.
ahenry (Amanda Henry) says…
Joel,
You should be fired.
"I'm not suggesting everybody should throw out ****they're**** game systems,"
Was it not you that was just bitching about this in a prior blog?
Smootches
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Joel sez: "I've heard more stories about marriages ended over video games than marriages ended over reading"
Right, just as more marriages have busted because of alcohol and not Pepsi. I understand the point you make, and you make it well.
But my main goal is to prove that although some agents are perceived to have a more addicting quality to them, the problem isn't the agent itself, but rather the lack of moderation by the user. Neither alcohol nor video games make us forfeit free will.
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Wait, I am not so sure about the comment anymore. Let's revisit-
Joel sez: "I've heard more stories about marriages ended over video games than marriages ended over reading"
Is that what was on the court document? Or was it irreconcilable differences? See, someone CAN be addicted to books, TV, movies and video games. No matter if it's 8 straight hours playing Halo or 8 straight hours reading The Count of Monte Cristo, the same ill effect happens: Husband does not spend that time with wife.
Addictions come in all shapes and sizes...and more importantly, volume.
scoville (anonymous) says…
I'm surprised the social aspect of gaming hasn't been brought up yet. Gaming isn't just about sitting in your dark basement alone. The most fun gaming I've experienced has been with other people. Video games have replaced card games, and board games for many people as a social "get-together" device. Games are far more socially stimulating than a movie night, and more safe than the bar scene.
Not only can gaming help develope certain thinking skills, it can also develope teamwork skills that can be used throughout life as well.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Vinlandproper: That was me griping about "their" and "they're."
And I'm blushing with embarrassment and self-loathing right now, believe me.
Gamer: Actually, I don't think it's either-or. I think there's an interaction between A)the addictive qualities of an object or activity and B)the will of the person using said object or activity. Neither is independent of the other ... otherwise, the disease-treatment model of addiction's pretty pointless, eh? But that's probably another discussion.
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Scoville-
Very, very, very good point.
cvillehawk (anonymous) says…
By the way, though I came on in defense of books, I am a glutton-level gamer at times also. When I first get a game, I play it obsessively, but then I usually burn out and put down the controller for months at a time. Since I have a toddler, we can't play together, but when that happens, I might be in serious trouble.
cvillehawk (anonymous) says…
gamer said: No matter if it's 8 straight hours playing Halo or 8 straight hours reading The Count of Monte Cristo, the same ill effect happens: Husband does not spend that time with wife.
In the breakdown of a marriage, if your spouse chooses to do any other activity to the detriment of your union, it's a sign of something else wrong. In the old days these guys would be out hunting every weekend, or down at the bar after work every day. It's really not the activity itself that causes the rift, usually - it's a symptom.
ahenry (Amanda Henry) says…
Okay. We are not talking about heroin here people. A person can drop the controls to the PS2 at anytime without committing murder. I firmly believe the person is independent of the "addiction" if the "addiction" is a freaking game.
This is the problem with kids now adays! (I've always wanted to say that!) What about self-control? Moderation? Dedication to the things in life that matter?
Diet Coke is technically more addictive than Halo and the whole disease-treatment model of addiction is highly debateable. Good idea for a blog. Talk about a potential firestorm!.Joel! There is your next blog suject.
On a personal note. Our home does not have a gaming console. I am proud to know at least 2 other families that are videogameless as well. We do have computers with educational software available or the kids and dial-up internet access, and yes, we do have games. We have 4 channels on our television that is 12 years old and proudly displays is long bunny ears and tin foil.
My girls have very rough knees and I swear have blisters on their little fingers from page turning. We don't outlaw such things, there is just so much more in the world to do and explore. Our trees have lots of company and conversations in their leaves. Damn, I sound like such a hippie, but I'm really not. I just wish people would remember that food comes from the ground and not a box. I think everyone should know how to string a fishing pole and climb trees. Everyone should sing and read and laugh and love. Enjoy technology for the power it provides and the benefits it brings (such as this lively discussion), but all things in moderation.
All right, I'm done now.
ladylaw (Terry Bush) says…
I was NOT saying computers or video games are per se bad. I personally can waste a lot of time on both. I was only saying that addictions to such things can be harmful (as can addiction to anything!) ...and then went onto list some potential signs of such addiction.
People can become addicted to almost anything... or use it wisely and in moderation for the good of all (or at least the good of self). But, if anyone reading the list of symptoms sees themself or a loved one, it could be a sign that an addiction has begun taking hold. As for becoming "un-addicted" only those who don't have addictive personalities and/or have a ton of self-control can blithly dismiss the difficulty some people have in "walking away" from a particular addiction. While video games (or computer use) addiction may not be as addictive as heroin, there are plenty of lives that have been ruined by the inablity to use such tools with moderation.
Oh, on carpal tunnel...If you haven't already gotten braces for both wrists, in which you do everything (including SLEEP), let me recommend it. I was diagnosed with it, after months of pain and waking up at night with numb hands. I used the braces day and night for about 6 months (taking them off to wash - ewww they can get real dirty), and I got a split key board. I don't suffer it any longer. Maybe it was the braces and split key board...or maybe my body healed itself...or maybe I never had it (despite the electric shock tests that said I did) ...I don't know...
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Oh, I don't deny controllers and keyboards can cause carpal. I haven't had that side effect yet.
cfdxprt (anonymous) says…
LL - since your solution doesn't involve knives and at least worked for you I'll give it a try...Do you have a doctor in town that you'd recommend for getting fitted?
How's driving a mouse with the braces on? I have to be able to drive a mouse for my livelihood. We once calculated while reflecting and not doing work for a while that I hit the mouse button about 5000 times per hour. So, yeah, I'm not your standard type computer user...
rpk (Robert Kerley) says…
Video games are the new rock n roll -- life to some, evil to others, and everything in between to most. Its the same debate that occurs whenever something becomes so big that it can't be ignored: disco, porn, 4-part harmony in churches, the Gutenberg press, etc. It's easy to stop playing a game when you also have a "real" life to look forward to, and easy to keep playing them when you're immersed.
The game industry is huge and has created thousands of new jobs and pushed the limits of technology. Many high powered PC components are the result of the industry, and many military and service training programs incorporate realistic "games" that were not possible even a few years ago.
None of this of course makes the neglect of health, relationships or career acceptable. But video games and the industry are now a mainstream part of our culture, just like any other form of entertainment and from now on will be present in all our lives in some way. Still, they are only games.
As a side note, I almost never play a video game alone: a once a week online meeting with my brothers who are scattered in 3 states makes for great family time in its own way.
ladylaw (Terry Bush) says…
It's been too long for me to remember the Dr who diagnosed me. Just remember that awful test (involving pain and electricity) used to say that I had it for sure. He did not fit me for a special wrist brace. Just told me to try one. I went to CritiCare (on 6th street), they looked at the size of my hands/wrists, and sold me a box off the shelf (one for each hand that had the problem). I then proceeded to wear them, night and day (may not be what was recommended, but it's what I did). I still get twinges of it, but nothing like before. Don't know if/how it will work for you, and I never had to click 5000 per day, but I could still click and type. . I too was relecutant to go under the knife (in part b/c the success rate at that time was about 50/50) until after I'd tried all other ideas!
Yes, the computer is a marvelous tool. Lots of fun games. Good for staying in better contact with family and friends. And a source of hours of pleasant learning opportunities. Like anything, it can be a help or a hurt. Use it wisely. But for those who neglect the more important things in life (personal relationships, financial security, etc.) in order to be with their beloved game/computer.... Time to get help and get away from it - at least until you can moderate and/or not use it to escape too far from reality... Unless of course you like being that troll....etc....
Ryckert (Dan Ryckert) says…
I really can't agree at all about video games being dangerous in terms of addiction, but I've had experience with physical pain related to them. I've actually had to go to the doctor a couple of times because the tendons in my wrist/arm were in so much pain. One of the first things the doctor asked me was if I play a lot of videogames or spend a lot of time on the computer. Since about 95% of my waking hours are consumed with one or the other, I said yes. I'm actually pretty worried about how damaged they're going to be in 5 or 10 years. "Addiction" can be avoided, but constant gaming for 20 years will have ill effects on your wrists. Oh well, not like I'm going to stop anytime soon.
I award the "Best Post of the Thread" award to rpk for mentioning the three greatest things ever in one paragraph - videogames, porn, and rock and roll.
ichikuo (Hanluen Kuo) says…
I've always tried to ignore the issue of whether or not playing video games is healthy or if it negatively influences society. The reason I ignore it is because the majority of people who hate video games or talk down on them are people who don't enjoy them. Hold on a sec....What did I just type? People who are against video games don't like them. Wow. It's such an amazing concept that I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier. Hmm, I hate motor cycles and I'm very against them because they kill people, but you don't see me trying to run other people's lives by telling them not to ride them. So what if that guy lost a marriage because of video games? Obviously the two aren't compatible because of conflict of interest. So couples that break up because of abuse, alcoholism, adultery, etc. are okay because that's what we're use to. People are suppose to break up because of those reasons. but oh no! Video games ruined a marriage. Gosh that's much worst. :|
Let people enjoy what they want to enjoy. If you don't like it, don't condemn people because they do.
funkdog1 (anonymous) says…
Gamer:
I really have to take exception to your categorization of reading as a "passive" activity. I suppose it's passive in the respect that one doesn't generally run around while they're reading, but reading, unlike video games or television, requires the reader to use his or her imagination. I, for one, HATED the original movie version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as a kid. When I saw it, I felt gypped. My imagination had created far more spectacular visuals than a movie in the late 70s (early 80s?) ever could, and in my opinion, the movie, rather than doing the book justice, was a piss-poor representation. (I haven't seen the new movie.)
Can you read too much? Maybe. I read so much as a kid that I wasn't very active in sports. But I do know that all that reading helped me far more in school than the kids who played video games all day or watched television.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
ichikuo: You take the powers of my blogging too seriously. If you like video games -- please play! I won't stop you, or even try.
funkdog1: I second that emotion.
ichikuo (Hanluen Kuo) says…
Woah. Sorry Joel. My post wasn't directed towards you. It was directed at the activists who have never played video games in their lives. You obviously have have knowledge of them. Your decision to not play or cut down on VG's was an informed decision. Those activists who don't know the difference between an NES controller and an Xbox controller or think there is such a system as the 'Gamebox" are the ones I was directing my post towards. They're making an uninformed decision.
ichikuo (Hanluen Kuo) says…
To Funk:
"But I do know that all that reading helped me far more in school than the kids who played video games all day or watched television."
It's pretty easy to say that but you have no way of proving it so your argument there is moot.
I could easily counter that, "Well I for one played video games all my life and I got a Kansas Scholar award."
See what I'm saying?
cfdxprt (anonymous) says…
ll - sweet i can get the braces without a prescription! Criticare for lunch tomorrow...I'm self diagnosed, but it's a pretty simple leap of logic - I've been using a computer hard core for 15 years, I don't do what that little precaution sticker on the back of your keyboard tells you to and I have problems with my wrists and hands hurting. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck it must be Carpal Tunnel...
On the 5000 button clicks thing - it's a beautiful thing to watch...well not really, my boss can't watch my screen when I"m down in it - it makes him dizzy. But, he's awfully glad to have me around. My work, at least sometimes, is very much like playing a video game, I just make lawyer type fees for doing it. I'll give the braces a shot and see if they work and I can work with them. I'm starting to get old and slow anyways...
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Funkdog-
Allow me to clarify: Passive doesn't necessarily mean useless. Active doesn't necessarily mean useful.
Books, insomuch as what can be learned from them, can be useful, sure! But the activity of reading is passive as far as your input has nothing to do with the outcome of the last chapter.
If we define active, in this sense, merely as brain waves processing info, then everything is active, including watching Baywatch (brain sez: this is stupid, I have now learned I will never watch this show again)
ichikuo (Hanluen Kuo) says…
Even if we consider video games as an "active activity" there are many passive aspects when it comes to gaming when it could be active in reading. Such as the appearances of things. The author simply guides you on what settings, characters, objects, etc. look like. It is up to yourself to imagine who or what something looks like. In fact, there are plenty of times when I've read a book and no matter how hard I try to picture the character as described, I always seem to make up my own image of what the character looks like based on their personality.
Video games have passive material because we don't get to decide on the appearances of things. My input has nothing to do with how that dungeon will look or how the main character appears. Also, progressing through a linear game is pretty passive. Your characters actions are very limited and you don't get to change the story.
What I'm trying to say is that they both have their active and passive aspects, but video games are progessing more and more into that realm of choice and active thinking. If you look at massive mulitplayer online games such as Everquest or World of Warcraft, you decide what you do. There are still limits but it's pretty close to active thinking. Whereas a game like Viewtiful Joe, which is very linear and not that many choices can be done. But the point of the matter is that video games are progressing more to this active/choice thinking. What you do as you progress through the game affects everything, story included. Books have no room to progress like that...Unless you're reading one of those mystery books where you have to turn to a certain page. But those are limited much, much more than video games are.
rpk (Robert Kerley) says…
Thanks Ryckert, just speaking what's on my mind (ha ha)!
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
Ichi-
No, even "linear" games are very much active. They key is in your word "progression" in that even though the level has set pictures and visuals later on, seeing them is PURELY dependant on input from an outside source and the relationship between game and user. In a book, show or movie, protagonist kicks an enemy. It's set in stone, nothing can change it. We have no choice but to passively take it in. Yes there is more brain activity involved in reading than watching TV or movies, obviously, but a book does not require interaction to be a book.
In a game, the protagonist will only kick if a user makes him. The outcome is not set in motion autonomously by the game. It has to have an interactive relationship with a user.
gamer (Matt Cox) says…
I am not sure why I am so bent on making this a black and white issue..."TV is passive, games are active"...
Maybe I'm ill. :D
ichikuo (Hanluen Kuo) says…
No, I see what you're saying. I don't think you're ill, just crazy maybe. :P
Now that you mention the whole black and white issue, I realized my main point of the last post was to say that it's very grey deciding on what each is.
I think most of us can agree though that books and video games are more active than TV.
chewyfally (Falestine Afani Ruzik) says…
Haven't read through every comment yet, so if somebody posted this already, I apologize:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/468...
ladylaw (Terry Bush) says…
cfdxprt - check back and let me/us know if the braces work for you (remember - I personally kept them on even at night while sleeping...don't know if that was important or not, just letting you know how completely I used the process before I got feeling back in my hands...Do you wake at night with them sound asleep/numb? That's a real good sign it's carpel tunnel and not tendonitus etc.).....
ladylaw (Terry Bush) says…
As for the REST of you (addicts and non-addicts).... It's your choice - Some of the best things ever invented or produced by mankind probably came from people with addictive personalities and active addictions. On the other hand, some addictions can lead no where - or at least not to anwhere that anyone who is remotely sane wants to go.... I love playing games (on-line, via computer, cards, boards, words, charades...whatever). But for me at least, games are not a substitute for real life or people or other things that go into making up a well balanced human being. For those who want to completely escape from reality, for awhile or forever, such things are a real good method!
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Money quote:
He added: "On balance, there is little evidence that moderate frequency of play has serious adverse effects, but more evidence is needed on excessive play and on defining what constitutes excess in the first place."
cfdxprt (anonymous) says…
ladylaw - I'll keep you posted. I had planned on going to get them at lunch, then got slammed this morning and I haven't even had lunch yet. I'm starting to get a little hungry...
wbabbit (Will Babbit) says…
One thing that no one has brought up yet is the Massively Multiplayer games out there. Mostly these games are purely social now (yes they include of lot of gaming but you'll find that most people on them play to interact with friends) yes this is not real life people, but is talking on instant messenger really that much different from talking on the phone? I think many people learn some valuable social skills from games such as these, and adults today are a little scared of the way video games affects their children.
But yes they can be horribly addictive, and have to be watched carefully. Halo won't mess someone up nearly as bad as Everquest or World of Warcraft can...
lekawa (anonymous) says…
Great Article by Mark Morford:
"There's Sex In My Violence!
What's this lame soft-core porn doing in my ultraviolent "Grand Theft Auto"? I am outraged!"
http://www.sfgate.com/columnists/morf...