People today misunderstand video games. They are blamed for wasted time and asocial behaviour. However gaming is not responsible for either problem.
Gamers don’t waste time. Video games are primarily for recreation, that is true. But this isn’t true of video games alone. From the discussions of Mount Olympus to cricket and Hollywood — as a race we spend many resources on recreation. Technology is created so that we have more time for recreation, from the farm to the supercomputer. Can video games truly be blamed for man’s pursuit of happiness?
Video games aren’t even the most wasteful of recreational activities. While sports offer no value to their viewers, gaming often exercises the mind. Action games hone reflexes and precision. Studies show puzzle games help keep the mind young, averting senility in the elderly. There are educational games, teaching anything from reading to pilot training. In comparison to screaming at a television, gaming seems to be quite productive indeed.
Gaming is also blamed for asocial behaviour. To this, one word: multiplayer. Games are played online, to interact with friends not present and together on the same machine. Gaming introduces friends and dominates parties. There is also huge social network devoted to gaming, be it through conventions or tournaments. Gaming doesn’t harm your social life, allows you to be as social as you want, playing with two people, twenty, or two thousand.
Gaming isn’t as bad as it’s hyped. Don’t worry, just game on!