Topic: The Only Thing i Know

A rather deep video about the harms of gaming. Is this person right? Is he exaggerating?
[youtube:YKBRG_QgEAM]
Discuss!

I agree with him. video games aren't bad if taken in moderation, it's when you become obsessed with them that it becomes a problem.
thanks for the video

You can make that theory about any material object: Overuse it and it becomes an addiction. But play games the RIGHT way and they can be a great way to bring people together.

Ok, let's look at a few things-
1) Most people create 2-3 level 80 characters in WOW
Rebuttal- I've never even made 1 level 1 character in WOW. Not to mention that a lot of those that do make those characters use other means that sitting at the computer doing it, hence all the patches constantly to stop the gold farming and level farming companies (that wouldn't be a problem if Blizzard was getting a piece of the action).
2) These are things you can do instead of playing such and such game
Rebuttal- Why does it matter how far you can drive in a time span? If you have no reason to be there it's a straw man argument. The books you mentioned are usually read in school, save for the Harry Potter books. Not to mention that reading is a solitary endeavor and are nothing more than (usually) fictional universes that you imagine yourself in, pretty much like videogames except without graphics. Not that I'm against reading, I love reading. Chances are I've read more books than this guy has ever opened, but by saying that you are bettering yourself by reading all seven Harry Potter books more than playing all 10 Mega Man games is asinine.
3) I was overweight and divorced
Rebuttal- Playing video games does not make you gain weight. Shoveling crap down your throat makes you gain weight. Is gaming a sedintary activity? Yes for the most part it is, but if a person is a grand master in chess you don't hear peoploe say they sit around and play chess too much. It's just that video games are an easy scapegoat for peoploe to blame all their problems on. As for the divorce, since you used a picture of George W. Bush when you were illustrating "confused" it's easy to tell you are a leftist, and by your voice you sound like a limp wristed leftist. Chances are you wouldn't be divorced if you would've manned up and been, well, a man. Blaming the video games you play for everything that has gone wrong in your life shows that you won't take responsibility for anything and therfore, you are not a man. Women want men who are real men and not whiny, self indulgent, self pitying babies.

tl;dr In the time it took you to animate your youtube video you could've joined a gym and went to a singles retreat.

@RowdyRodimus: I personally support this guy. I just think there are a few things in the video that have been misinterpreted.
Here's my response to your points:
1.) By talking about level 80 WOW characters, it is my understanding that he means IN THE TIME IT TAKES to make a level 80 WOW character, not actually making one. Thus, I think his points were made in reference to that amount of time. It doesn't matter if someone cheats to do it. It's only the amount of time it takes to do it that matters.

2.) While driving times and reading books seem incoherent with video games, I think he was just putting into perspective the things you could be doing instead of video games, and how much time a person spends on them. No one can deny that driving from NYC to LA THREE TIMES takes a very long time. It gives the person an idea about how much time that really is. Thus, they can see what they are really spending it on.

3.) Video games can most definitely ENCOURAGE a sedentary lifestyle. After all, very little physical activity is required for it. And really? I'm not sure if I'm reading this right, but are you blaming his screwed up life on his political views? Just because he used a picture of Bush in a negative connotation, doesn't make him any less of a man. It is evident in this video that the man wasn't looking for any sort of sympathy. He just wanted to state what he felt. He's worried about future generations, and he's using himself as an example. I can't see anything that's wrong with that.

Man, Rowdy completely fell off of the rails on point three.

At any rate, The guy in the video sounds like he is projecting his problems onto gamers as a whole. He video boiled down to "I had problems maintaining a balance, therefor all gamers must. They just don't realize it."

I'm not blaming his political views on all of his problems (as he does with games), I was saying that since he can't take responsibility other than saying "I spent too much times on games" (which still puts the emphasis on the games being at fault) from everything from his weight to his divorce, he doesn't own up to the fact that in the end it was himself that was at blame.

I know that sounds weird, but I've always been taught what makes a man a man is not the size of what he has, or how many women he gets or how much money he makes or how tough he is, what makes a man is being accountable for their choices and taking personal responsibility for his mistakes.

Just based on what he says through the video seems to show he has an addictive personality. I should know, I have one myself and it's a bad thing to have. He probably would've had the same problems if it was going to casinos, collecting art, drinking or any number of things. I admit I had a problem with drugs during my high school years but luckily for me (so say the doctors I've spoken with) my ADD kept me hopping from one "drug" (be it comics, video games, CD's, drugs themselves)that I never OD'd, I also knew that even at my most high state that I had to be clean when I was in school or when we had a rifle team match. What it seems is that the maker of the video knew he had responsibilities, yet ignored them which means it wasn't the games fault, it was his.

I'm sorry if I came off as an asshat in my last post. It's just that it seems that anytime something happens there is always a scapegoat for it. In my parents day it was "That devil's Rock and Roll" and in our day it's videogames. What it comes down to for future generations is parenting. We have to instill a sense of not only a sense of right and wrong in them, but a sense of responsibility and how their responsibilties come before any videogames, athletics or tv shows. Let's face it, school is supposed to get kids ready for "the real world" but they fail at it and to be honest, it is really more the parents duty to do that anyway.

There's a lot more that can be said about it, such as the appaling unrealistic expectations that are put on kids when we celebrate people like the Kardashians and the brats on My Super Sweet 16, but I'll leave it at that

Some weeks I play a ridiculous amount of video games if I have nothing else going on. It passes the time and it is my favorite hobby. Other weeks I might only play games for a few hours. Addiction is a bad road to anything. I enjoyed the video and I think it has a strong message to not get too wrapped up in stuff.

That never struck me as his intention. I think he was trying to say, "I had problems maintaining balance, and this is what happened to me. Don't make the same mistakes I did." It was just a warning for people who may potentially take things too far with video games.

To be fair, any obsession can become a problem

@Rowdy: I agree with you definitely, and would like to give you a hearty applause for that post. I do think you perhaps came off a little harsh, but as for your sentiments, well, you're not the only one on this website who holds them.

Well, after watching this video, there are things that I absolutely disagree with.

1) Video games did not have an impact on his life, but that doesn't mean they don't have an impact on others. Video games started some of my other hobbies like music and others might find a career in gaming because they played games
2) Some games like puzzle games are good for me because they help me keep focused
3) Video games are not bad; they are a hobby that help pass the time or cope with stress (if used in moderation)
4) Video games are NOT to blame. It's your obsession with them that is to blame
5) Sure they cost a lot of money, but then again other things such as electronics, books, and television cost money too.
6) Being overweight is because you were lazy and overeating. Again, the obsession's fault, not the games

I do agree with having this obsession taking over your life....just like any other obsession

Furthermore, I made a lot of friends through video games, and no, not all of them were sad, lonely nerds (actually only a handful were). Second, this sounds very similar to drug abuse.

I love video games, but I don't let them take over my life. I use common sense to determine how much I can play them and how much I need to do other things. It is possible to get over an obsession, however it's harder for some people.

Woaaaaah. That video blew my mind. A pretty deep video.

This guy's a duck! Excess of anything is bad. Games aren't his problem he is!
Makes me grrrr!

Well, the animation looks alright. That's about the only positive thing I can say about this.

So wait, spending hours on entertainment can be spent on other forms of entertainment instead?! Zomg.

I know the dude's not going to answer my question but I've got a good one: Were you happy while playing video games? If you were, it's not wasted time. If you weren't happy, why the hell were you playing them? Don't act as if "being entertained" is a waste of time.

Who is to say reading a book or learning french makes you a happier, better person than playing video games? Because it is generally considered to be "more sophisticated"?

(do note that I spent a max of 2 hours on gaming a day and that I think anyone who's willing to let gaming in the way of socialising, their marriage or their health is a giant moron)

Man, Rowdy completely fell off of the rails on point three.

Gotto agree with that one. Political views and masculinity have nothing to do with the matter.

I find the opinions on this matter to be interesting to read...
Here's a little video I dug up of him responding to the masses about his video.
I highly encourage you to see it through to the end, because while he may continue to say things you disagree with in the beginning, he also does his best to address your arguments and give his opinion.
[youtube:zIVBHMTMeGw]

I agreed with him in the first place and I agree with him even more now.

"The question is: Why waste those talents mastering guitar hero when you might as well be learning to play a real guitar. Ten years from now, it might be the better choice."

First of all, I rock at both guitar hero and I play a "real" guitar - but why is a "real" guitar considered to be better? He doesn't delve into things. Everything he says is so completely shallow without ever delving deeper into things. Surely both are for your enjoyment? Yes, a real guitar gets you chicks and a virtual guitar only gives you e-peen.

It's good to see him own up to his mistake and say "yes it was my fault" though, because in his first video he literally said "videogames were to blame". And I'm not even paraphrasing.

In terms of playing guitar, I can definitely argue that there is more VALUE in playing a real guitar. You could make a decent living if you learn to play a real guitar well. It could easily be more effective in entertaining a wider audience. Lastly, I personally think that playing a real guitar boosts your creativity, as you are given the opportunity to reach beyond the plastic buttons and pre-determined track patterns, and create your own music or riffs. There are several ways in which a real guitar beats a plastic one. Thus, there is definitely a bigger payoff in choosing it over Guitar Hero.
I guess he just didn't feel the need to delve that deep. Regardless of his choice in the video, I still support the guy's message.

The one thing I do agree with you on, tealovertoma, is where he's placing the blame. I too noticed him blame video games, and then himself. While confusing, I interpret him to be saying that it was his fault, and video games were what encouraged his irrational behavior. Thus, they "were to blame."

Well saying something is "better" than something else is rather vague, he could've explained that a lot better.

You assume "better" to mean how far it gets you in life, in the conventional money sense. I think that's a little silly because
A) very few people make their money off playing guitar
B) a guitar will cost you more than guitar hero

As far as entertainment value goes I'll just say guitar hero is more of a "quick and easy" fix whereas playing the guitar will take a lot longer to enjoy, but it's considered to be "deeper". I'll agree with playing real guitar boosting your creativity (unless there's a game mode where you can make your own songs), but does that make you a happier being? I think that ultimately it depends on your goal in life, which is something very personal. He keeps talking about "wasting time" as if it's something factual. Which brings me to my main point:

His video assumes that the ultimate goal in life is to develop skills, whereas most people seem content just to be... content. I don't think it's his place to say what people should achieve in life, and in a way a video like this makes gamers feel worthless. And is entertainment worthless? It keeps me happy. I'm not saying there's no negative aspects to gaming (especially when it's out of balance in the rest of your life), but the man does seriously lack arguments and depth to back up his claims (a "life changing" moment after 30 years and this is all he got? Okay...)

In the end I think it's healthy for people to have a goal in life and to keep their eye on it, whether it's to expand their skills set or just to be content. That should prevent people from going overboard with either "gaming", or ambition (over-ambition is a dangerous thing).

That deep enough for ya?