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Games & gear: Video Games, Am I wasting my life?
OK, my two copper: I am an avid gamer.
by WanderingBard - 12/6/06 8:13 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeIn response to the question, 'Video Games, Am I wasting my life?'
I used to be a Mac-head and did DTP (desktop publishing) on the side while putting myself through night school. I gamed and learned how to write programs for new games while attending night school, thereby applying practical application gleaned from my lessons. In 2000, a good friend of mine got me into online gaming and the Intel side of gaming. I have since learned how to build computers to meet my personal needs and sharpening my gaming ability. I don’t care for pre-made rigs from Name Brand people, as they charge extremes for the use of their name (ie Alienware, Dell, Saiger, etc…), but prefer to build from component level on up. In doing so, I have attained a far greater insight into the workings of the machine as well as cut my teeth on valuable skills which can pay off in dividends (computer repair, custom fabrication, tutoring, to name a few). Learning both software and hardware configuration, application and manipulation, as well as learning how to create, establish, and maintain a LAN, are all viable and marketable skills in today’s world of computing.
True, I do game in excess at times, weekend-long gaming session are not unheard of, but that same friend who introduced me to online-gaming, occasionally prods me with reality checks. I have hiked, biked, camped, fished, photographed, and lived in 23 countries so far. I am conversant in multiple languages, am an avid reader of genres ranging from science fiction and fantasy to psychology and personal development, and am currently working on my BS in computer science. I am active duty military, living in Germany, have seen action in Iraq, and lost good friends as well as made new ones there. When you find yourself in an isolated area, books, games and gaming are all ways to nurse and comfort the psyche. Personal game units, Nintendo and Play Stations and laptops are integral to maintaining a semblance of sanity in a combat zone. It may be seen as escapism, but it helps keep the mind from dwelling on the ‘what if’s.’
As was previously mentioned, LIFE is a game. It is up to you what role you are going to play. It is the world’s biggest stage, science project, classroom, and test of intestinal fortitude. What you do, who you interact with and at what level, what you learn about your self and your surroundings, and what you glean from your interaction with the rest of the world, will dictate your end results. Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. I was told I would never go anywhere, would never learn anything, and would be a failure in life. I know that I have proven ‘them’ wrong several times over. Yes, I game, but I learn from my mistakes and seek to overcome the obstacles in front of me. Did Pac Man give up when chased by ghosts? Did ‘Earth’ give up when attacked by Space Invaders? Are the places in Dark Age of Camelot real? (I can honestly say I have been to Stonehenge, but was unable to port in, Dartmoor Ponies were friendly, Malmo and Skane may be filled with Mid’s, but the trolls and dwarves appear to be missing, and the Hibbies are wonderful cooks!). I whole heartedly agree with the suggestion that you invite your parental unit(s) to embark on the discovery of gaming with you, as I have seen communications which were formerly closed, open up when gaming side by side with family members. We have several guild members who use gaming constructively to vent their frustrations out on virtual enemies, instead of keeping that frustration inside where it does more damage. What better way to get to know your family members than to do something with them that you enjoy? It doesn’t have to be gaming, it can be camping, backpacking, hiking, biking, visiting foreign lands, museums, zoos…the world is your game board. Are you going to be a pawn or a King/Queen? Oh, bye the way…Check Mate! 
I hope this helps.
RE: Video Games, Am I wasting my life?
by jscime - 12/6/06 8:14 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI am currently reading a GREAT book about video games. It is called "Don't Bother Me Mom - I'm Learning!" by Marc Prensky published by Paragon House. (I am not trying to promote this book, I just think it is great reading.) I am only about 1/3 of the way through this book, but so far it talks about how video games help kids develop problem solving, creative thinking, learning rules and following directions (most games don't come with a manual to tell you how to play, you have to figure it out), and many more positive skills needed in life. These are things schools are trying to teach kids (I know because I'm a teacher). The problem is, many teachers go about it the wrong way. The US armed forces uses off-the-shelf video games for introductory training of troops and more advanced simulators for further training. Some doctors play video games prior to performing surgery to get their muscles and fine motor skills warmed up. With many games today being on-line equiped with real-time voice communication and played with people from around the world, requirements such as cooperation, leadrship, communication, respect, showing up at the right time to play, and others, are essential to participate, or else you get banned or kicked out. Hmmm.... almost sounds like a job. According to this book, there are no studies that PROOVE any long lasting negative effects of playhing video games. In fact, playing video games allows kids the opportunity to release negative feelings in a positive way. They can shoot people, drive a car 200 mph, fight in WWII, be part of Stars Wars, and not hurt anyone. And yes, kids know the difference between a video game and real-life. The ones who take video games into real-life and do bad things, would likely have done them with out the video games.
The debate of video games being harmful or helpful has been going on since the days when Atari was brought into our homes. I have always played video games, and still do. I am going on my 33rd birthday soon, and I think I turned out just fine. I have 2 boys of my own now (6 and 3). Guess what "they" got for Christmas last year? X-Box. I love it and play it several times a week, if not every day, with my son. He is only 6 years old and can do things and remember things from games that I can't.
There are studies that will proove anything, for or against. I have always thought that there was a plus side to playing video games and have experienced some of the negatives (sore hands, carpol-tunnel, headaches). As with anything in life, moderation is the key. Too much of anything is not good for you. It is important to have a ballance of activities in real-life as well. Go outside and throw a real ball, ride a real skateboard or bike, talk to people face to face, etc. My son is not allowed to play X-Box until his homework is done (yes, 1st grade and homework everyday). So get your homework and chores done, then go play.
So, an answer when you are told that you are wasting your life: "Don't bother me mom - I'm learning." Say it nicely, and you may have to explain a bit. It may help to have the book I mentioned in your hand to give to your parents.
Good luck.
games and cars
by Amos16 - 12/6/06 8:15 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeWhen a distant relation of mne invented the motor car in 1875, many people warned that if it worked, it might kill because of its mass and speed. Indeed, they were right. Thousand of people get killed each year by and in motor cars. But could you stop their production? Can you imagine today a world without them? The same goes for video games: regulate, try to make them less dangerous, but they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Thus a debate about them being a waste of time or not - is simply futile. Amos16
Up to a point "play is OK" - Then stretch & go outside!
by movieflow - 12/6/06 8:16 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI've been into computers for years, and was an early DOOM and Myst player. A the time, my legitimate excuses were, "Wow, I love how immersive this new technology is!" and, "I need to know what's going on in the state-of-the-art graphics world." Blah-blah-blah, blah-blah-blah-blah.
The fact is it IS an escape. And it is certainly ADDICTIVE.
Okay, so what's unhealthy about that? Well, let's talk basics: Time and Energy. There are only so many hours in a day. Ever think what you used to do before you got into gaming? (Oops, well maybe you've ALWAYS been into it. I'm old enough to remember a time BEFORE home computer gaming... but that's another story.) Life is short, relatively speaking, yet when you're young you think, "Hell, dog, I've got time to BURN, baby!" Or, "Dang, I'm bored, maybe a game will make me less so."
But have you ever felt that queasy feeling in the pit of your stmach after a marathon game session, an empty, kinda-wasted-those-last-3-hours-and-I'll-never-get-them-back kind of feeling? That's no lie, its a REAL part of your conscience trying to inform you that there was something else EVEN BETTER for your life you could have been doing. Don't deny it.
And there's the other HUGE thing at work here: DENIAL. Its one of the roots of ADDICTION. But how do you know if you're an addict? If ANY other area of your life is suffering as a result of your game play. This can include, but is not limited to: your health (are you blobbing out, for example?) Your schoolwork/grades. Getting along with parents and siblings. Strained relationships with friends. An increasing sense of alienation. HIDING YOUR GAMEPLAY FROM OTHERS. (That's a big givaway that you're an addict.) and neither last nor least: LYING to get a chance to play.
'Cause its the lying that really eats you up inside. And for what? So you can get to level 15? Wow... you're cool. You've really accomplished something, huh? Yeah....
There's no getting around the fact that GAMING IS FUN!! But healthy gaming involves (among other things) as someone said before me "BALANCE." Perspective in other words. Put your own limits on your gaming time, and DONT COMPROMISE! Its that GAME PLAYING WITH YOURSELF that'll get you in the end. One hour of gaming a day is PLENTY! Two hours of TV is okay along with that, as long as the TV time is with other members of your family.
And for Mario's sake, DONT FORGET TO STRETCH. Really try to touch the sky with both hands for a half a minute - and BREATHE - slowly, evenly, while you do it. (This also applies to ANY other activity where you're hunkered down for long stretches, no pun intended.)
And finally, remember, online "friends" are NEVER a substitute for flesh-and-blood-standing-in-front-of-you ones. Play "army" outside in the neghbor's backyard, for cryin' out loud. Revel in the ACTUAL blood that seeps out of that scraped knee you get doing that or from skateboarding. Don't turn into another American Blob Statistic!
Moderation
by fido88 - 12/6/06 8:20 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI am a fan of video games, but they can intrude on the time you need to spend on other key elements of your life...my advice is moderation
in all things........this is advice that has been around for centuries, but i think it really applies..........
Interactive entertainment
by TIJA - 12/6/06 8:29 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeIf you are going to spend a lot of time indoors vegetating, then video games are a much better way to spend your time than as a couch potato. Video games require you to think and interact, while most TV productions are mindless and do not require you to do anything.
I've been playing video games for years, and it seems that my creativity has not waned with age. I still enjoy the challenge of strategy games, but sometimes I get lazy and play shoot-em-ups. The new Wii has introduced a new realm to video gaming which requires you to move about for game control. I think that this is a terrific development and has great potential for getting people off of their butts and into the gaming action. Maybe we can all get a little more physical exercise in this way. I guess it is cyber-sports that allow everyone to use their minds and bodies regardless of age or condition.
Gaming and trowing one's life away
by treadhead1952 - 12/6/06 8:29 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeKontrary the myth Gaming is good it releases presure and 2 hours a day is peanuts.
It improves reaktion speed (good for your nervesystem) and it learns
you to react faster
I'v done it for years "and I'm definitly not violent" ever!
that's what my kids say
Keep on gaming sonny its good for you.
I'm 62 going on 63 my eyes none the worst
game time as a reward
by Zendrumcorps - 12/6/06 8:47 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI play about 2-3 hours a day. Those are the same hours that i'd spend watching tv. When i felt i was playing to many hours a few years ago I made gaming my a reward for finishing a good days work. Everyday I would keep note of my tasks or hours of strait work my reward was gaming an hour for every 2 hours of work. Days off where like gaming holidays but i found even on those days i'd find other things to do after a good 2 to 4 hour gaming session.
When you parents come to you with that tired line about "wasting your life away" let them know what you've done to deserve the time you send gaming.
Peace,
RC
Experienced parent of adult children
by allenfuller - 12/6/06 8:50 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthree4 to 5 hours does not seem excessive if you are not longing to play when you are doing other things. If you are not using video games to replace socializing or physical activity, studying etc., I don't believe that it is excessive. My children (now 26 through 30 years old) played when they were kids. One has a problem and is what I would call addicted. It is negatively affecting his life as he spends the weekend playing and goes into work exhausted on Monday.
The type of game that you play makes more difference than the hours that you play it. Internet role play games seem to replace socialization and provide influence to play longer in order 'to be with your partners'. Violent and gory games have dulled one child's perception of violence.
I have not 'seen' any video games in a few years so I will not comment on specific games. Action games (including some sports) help in a number of ways. They keep your brain sharp and help increase the speed of your thinking. Some teach you multitasking and most help hand to eye co-ordination. But avoid the violent ones. The last thing that you want to do is watch a news report of a driveby shooting and think 'I thought that there would be more blood' instead of being disgusted with the violence.
While competitive style games strongly encourage 'winning' or accomplishing more than you did last time, they should be enjoyable. If you are more stressed and unhappy than when you started, stop playing that game. Video Games are supposed to be fun. If they aren't-- find something else.
What do you tell your parents? Try these suggestions if they are the truth. 'They are fun and relax me' 'They do not interfere with schooling, socializing and physical activity' 'they are teaching me to multitask which I will need as an adult' 'They are not violent or sexual and are not dulling my senses' 'they keep my brain active'
Balance is the Key
by albertoVO55 - 12/6/06 8:50 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI personally dislike video games because they can become "so addicting". However, as a form of recreation they have their place, along with movies, TV, music, and gaming. In moderation each is acceptable. In excess, yes, you are wasting your life away.
Video Games, Am I wasting my life?......
by blueboy888 - 12/6/06 8:51 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeVideo games are not the life. No doubt video games are part of the life, if one is having interest in them.If you forget your primary tasks and continue with the games, it is advisable to stop that addiction. Once in a while playing a game, of educative value, which requires mind power is recommended. Medical research says playing a video game, occassionally,
delays the on setting of Alzemeir desease. So, my advise is IF YOU ARE ADDICTED TO VIDEO GAMES, BETTER STOP IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.
A balanced approach to video gaming.
by RWMcKinlay - 12/6/06 9:01 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeSee:
http://www.moaa.org/todaysofficer/Magazine/Summer2005/software.asp
for an interesting answer.
a middle-aged non-gamer's point of view
by PHIL_C - 12/6/06 9:05 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeHow often have you heard someone say "You need to get a life". The fact is that most people find other peoples's interests a waste of time. If we don't play golf, it's a stupid sport, if we don't gamble, Las Vegas is a waste of time. Millions of middle-aged women spend hundreds of hours and a lot of money on crafting - creating useless trinkets from old light bulbs and glitter. But it's their time, their money and their source of pleasure. If you want to learn magic tricks, write crossword puzzles, make the perfect barbeque sauce, follow a football team around the country - or play video games, and you can afford the time and money, have fun. As long as it doesn't interfere with the rest of your life have all the fun you want.
Video games is still good in moderation.
by Lyndon - 12/6/06 9:06 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeYou're not really wasting your life, maybe your parents always find you playing. Maybe you should cut back a little. Try to play one round, rest a little, and play later, on that way your parents won't always find you playing video games. And a side hobby (like playing guitar, basketball, etc.) in between will help.
The counter argument
by Chill05 - 12/6/06 9:08 AM In reply to: Video Games, Am I wasting my life? by wjnthreeI remember my mom saying to my dad a long time ago, when I was in grade school, that playing video games is better than just watching TV because at least the child will be active. Given that lying on the couch watching cartoons is the alternative, video games are a much better option. Of course, she made that statement back in '94 when SNES was sporting the most advance games. Today, video games have become very sophisticated and diverse, and some of these games like 'Brain-age' for the DS or action adventures like Zelda incorporate puzzles and other forms of game play that test the gamer's level of critical thinking. If you've taken any US standardized test, you know critical thinking seems to always be the skill of interest.
That said, there's plenty of garbage out gets in the way of quality games like Zelda or even Madden, and some games are made for superficial fun. As challenging as some these games can be, they don't compare the real world; playing a sport still has many more advantages over video-game. I have a Wii, and no it's not comparable replacement to athletics. If you get tired from playing that, it's probably a good start to your new (and much needed) exercise plan.
Don't let your parents make a blanket statement about all videogames, but if you're just playing games like Black or that Burger King game, you really have no retort.
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