Thoughts on video games?

Apexk9 · 2016-01-17T23:51:39+00:00

Awesome in moderation.

Number one it helps with critical thinking fast reactions problem solving and strategy tactics manipulation...etc oh and hand eye cordination.

But you need it in moderation.

I use games as a way to keep some social bridges a float with friends I may not have time to see other wise but who doesn't have time for a few games of rocket league or league league.

SlothOnRoids · 2016-01-18T00:08:41+00:00

A hobby for my days off when there's nothing else to do. Smoke a blunt, plant my ass in my $150 gaming chair and turn on call of duty.

GunnarX · 2016-01-18T02:24:48+00:00

To each their own. There is nothing wrong with it. Personally, I prefer them over movies and tv shows that are made for entertainment, because you're an active participant. You aren't sitting there in a near-comatose state, wasting away. I would like to contribute some of my hand-eye coordination to the intense video gaming I did as a child.

toolatebutnexttime · 2016-01-17T23:52:16+00:00

Moderation. Want to unwind for a bit on the weekend with a video game for a bit? Go for it. Don't put too much time in them though and let those hours take away from other things and you should be fine.

Andorli · 2016-01-18T06:56:31+00:00

Ok I have read some replies here and I don't see anybody mentioning this. Video games do have their possitive effects (depends on game you are playing) like hand-to-eye coordination, critical thinking, reaction speed etc. etc. However they have one major flaw - video games detach you from reality completaly, create false sense of achievement, rewire your brain reward system and are very dangerous. People say in moderation but I do not agree, unless you have specific goal in playing video games like simulator or learning a particular skill, you should stay away from them. This comes from a person who spent 4700 hours on dota 2 and 3700 hours in Counter Strike Source. So trust me I have done my homework on both negative and positive sides of gaming and now I believe 100% that they are bad for you even in moderation.

medik13 · 2016-01-18T03:01:25+00:00

One day I picked up a guitar instead of a controller. Never touched my xbox since.

Questionablechoice · 2016-01-18T11:06:46+00:00

Video games are addictive because they provide the dopamine response of accomplishment without actually doing anything. Much like gambling at a slot machine the entire purpose of the industry is to provide a form of entertain designed to separate you from your earnings in the quickest yet still acceptable means possible.

Often you see people attempt to dispute this by comparing video games to other media designed to do this already like movies or cable television.

The argument is really a strawman one. Comparing one money sink to another money sink and stating one is better because it has a higher value per dollar is not addressing the core issue merely skirting it by making it sound justifiable.

Ultimately for many men and boys video games are pure escapism and a time sink which will ultimately limit your ability to socialize, your physical form, posture, monetary earnings and motivation.

While they have had some positive effect on the whole like lower crime rates due to lack of exposure. The benefits of hand eye coordination are really limited to those who work specific with robotically operated tools like non invasive surgeon or robotic assisted manufactures.

In terms of logical reasoning and problem solving your better off playing a pen and paper dungeons and dragon style games vs a real human opponent. Going through a sequence of events which are based on triggers even soft ones ultimately only makes you better at video games. Unless you specifically playing a game which is intended to improve logical reasoning directly the benefits are minimal.

There have been academic arguments that video games make some people smarter. I personally believe these to be flawed mainly due to the fact that people which are unable to solve the puzzles or logical decision making innately will be less incline to continue playing than the successful. Ultimately at a young age the incapable will be cut like wheat from the chaff and the less intelligent are groups with the disinterested.

There are better ways to get your dopamine fix out there like physical activity, social activities, sex or personal development.

Video games are largely just mental masturbation. If your ok with doing it that's fine but lets not put it on some high horse which elevates it beyond simple entertainment and escapism.

throw_em_all · 2016-01-18T17:52:42+00:00

Are you pushing away things that should be your priority to play video games? If not, then you're allowed to have leisure time, you can relax and enjoy whatever you like to do.

Video games and "nerdy" activities are not inherently bad things, it's only bad when you make them your personality, for example Jeremy Lin is an avid DotA2 player, hell he's been involved a lot in the DotA world lately, however if you mention the name 99% of people will immediately say Basketball, not "silly videogames".

PragmaticRedTruth · 2016-01-17T23:33:00+00:00

Useless. A form of escapism.

harkrank · 2016-01-18T00:07:32+00:00

Just quit them completely. The real world is incredible, try to find the magic in reality and real challenges and adventures. Video games is a false reality that corrupts your imagination and mind. Uninstall them from your computer, sell your console.

If you need a substitute: learn a language on duolingo.com, explore psychedelic drugs and start a productive hobby like carpentry or painting. Make high-stakes investments with an online broker.

SgtBrutalisk · 2016-01-18T06:41:58+00:00

Had I not had video games in my childhood, I would probably have little to no happy memories. That being said, video games are a very cheap and relaxed hobby that can even help you meet new people over the Internet.

GraphicSeniorNudity · 2016-01-18T08:15:06+00:00

I can't handle them.

They are drugs to me.

Rasalom72 · 2016-01-18T15:00:54+00:00

Super fun, and challenging.

Title	Thoughts on video games?
Author	Peow_peow
Upvotes	8
Comments	19
Date	January 17, 2016 11:28 PM UTC (10 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/askTRP
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/asktrp/comments/41g2tf/thoughts_on_video_games/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/askTRP/thoughts-on-video-games.159460 https://theredarchive.com/post/159460

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