I’ve been questioned about the negative influences and effects of video games many times. The main complaint I get about them is that they’re “a waste of time.” I imagine that when people make this comment, they’re not attacking video games themselves, merely their effect on those who play them. I also understand exactly why people would attack this element of the video game experience. I’ve seen several documentaries depicting real-life stories of individuals who have lost jobs, spouses, friends, and life savings simply because they do little more than play video games all day.
The truth is, it can be really hard to walk away from video games. They massage that small portion of the brain that responds to addiction. I don’t know what it’s like to lose a house or loved one to a video game, but I’ve certainly experienced these addictive qualities to a lesser degree. There have been times when I just can’t seem to step away from the television long enough to even grab a snack or go for a jog.
Intrinsically, I feel as though there’s not a significant difference between playing a video game for 9 hours straight and waiting in line all day for the midnight release of Harry Potter. Sometimes, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a day of solid entertainment. Do this day after day, however, and you’re likely to raise some eyebrows.
The fact is, video games are as much about moderation as they are about entertainment. If you don’t play video games but constantly pass judgement on those who do, there’s a good chance you could be making uneducated verdicts. Conversely, if you do little except play video games, chances are you’re not experiencing everything life has to offer. And life has a whole lot to offer, let me tell you.
I have a college friend who, like me, thoroughly enjoys playing video game. And when I say thoroughly, I really mean thoroughly. He considers every variable of a video game (graphics, sound, music, story, gameplay, customization elements, theme, etc) before giving it the thumbs up or thumbs down. He and I have had several conversations, typically lasting from one to several hours in length, regarding the overall quality of a video game.
Such an individual might conjure up images of the overweight nerd living in his parent’s basement, playing Everquest and scrounging sustenance from the remnants of his daily bag of Doritos. On the contrary, my friend is an established writer (having written several unpublished novels), owns his own house, is in peak physical shape, has won awards for his poetry, is working on getting his master’s degree in literature, and knows more about worldview than anyone I know his age. He is one of the most comical, intelligent people I know.
What’s his secret? I would say it’s his attention to detail, moderation, and balance. Sure, he enjoys playing the latest video game, but he knows when to put down the controller and walk away. Such an individual should serve as an example to the rest of us. A life, such as his, that is balanced is just as full of activity as it is of enjoyment.
In my opinion, a video game’s greatest threat to its players is not that it wastes their time. Rather, the greatest threat is the video game’s opportunity to breed passivity in those who play it. A passive lifestyle is one that quickly loses respect and recognition in the eyes of its peers. Time spent playing video games should always be overshadowed by creativity. We, as humans, were not meant to be passive. We were meant to create and to enjoy the work of our hands.
It’s okay to love playing video games. Just make sure you spend more time doing other things you love. If you’re having a difficult time finding other things to do, consider dabbling in a few of life’s “finer” activities. Dress up and treat your girlfriend to a nice dinner for two. Learn to cook. Listen to classical music (I suggest Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata or Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique). Read a work by C.S. Lewis or John Steinbeck. Take up learning about coffee or wine culture.
Do things that promote being a well-rounded, well-seasoned individual. And make sure to attend to life’s necessities. Keep physically active. Kiss your wife. Play with your kids. Take time to be alone, meditative, and quiet. Don’t settle for being a passive, negligent individual.
If you fear that your life has become too passive, grab someone you trust and ask them to give you an honest answer about what needs to change. Then listen without retorting or passing judgement. You may not like what you hear, but it will likely help institute a change for the better. Positive change is often difficult, but it will make all the difference in the long run. Plus, I guarantee you will enjoy your time playing video games all the more.
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