It's interesting that most people don't find this obvious. Video games build pattern recognition, puzzle solving and strategic thinking. Some games are better than others, and anything in unhealthy doses is bad, but in moderation a child is better off with it then without.
Imo the problem is linked with games are also highly addictive / entertaining.
So some may have high strategy values etc, they still also have high addictive entertainment values too.
While you might be TECHNICALLY true in SOME situations regarding SOME games… If this statement is yours is a general promotion of video games have you considered that you are simply interpreting your world and your behaviors in a way that you find most beneficial towards your reaching your desires?
A person who loves Cheetos might find a reason why Cheetos can be good for you. And they might TECHNICALLY be correct. But it’s still just self delusion to justifying their Cheetos relationship?
I know games had a positive impact on my childhood development and influenced my career trajectory, but it is possible that my circumstances were not normal, and I've underestimated the chances that harmful side effects could manifest in others. It's also possible that what a "game" is has evolved considerably since I was younger, and the effects are different.
What is your position on it? Are you saying video games are bad in general?
If someone is neglecting their life/career, family, health, or any of these more important things, than that is bad. But assuming sufficient attention is being given to each of these things, if recreation time remains, I don't think video games are a bad hobby choice.
A common counter argument is that its better to go play a sport. Well, assuming you are getting enough exercise anyways and aren't an unhealthy fat body, it's not as clear to me that it is a better alternative. I'm middle-aged now, and all the friends I have that are/were heavy into sports are walking around with bad knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, etc. They aren't disabled by any means, but they hurt already at this age and are going to hurt even more when they are 70.
If your argument is that there are better things the time could be spent on like accomplishing life objectives, then I agree. I don't have any time for games myself these days. But, for people with normal levels of productive energy, there is a need to do something fun every once in awhile, and I think video games score high on the list of fun options.
I don’t find myself disagreeing with any of that.
I’m not a video game player now. But certainly played them growing up.
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