Why Do Adults Think Video Games Are So Mindless?

Teenagers and young adults have been playing games catered to their age demographic since at least the 2000s. That was 20 years ago. These individuals are now in their 30s and 40s – well into adulthood. Some of them still play games and many have nostalgic memories of video games. Older adults never grew up with them or only experienced them as a child's medium.

Everyone Has an Opinion

Everyone and their mothers have an opinion about video games. Are they good for you or bad for you? Do they make people violent or less violent? I feel the need to express my opinion on this matter. I was once considered a 'gamer.' I also have many close friends who live and breathe video games. I've had a lot of time to think about this, and I believe the impact of video games on our culture overall is negative.

But That's Not the Whole Story

Before I get into why that is, I want to make the case for video games. It is important to note that video games no longer denote the basic 'level-up' model or the simple Nintendo Gameboys of the past. Today's video games are complicated online multiverses with numerous objectives nested within objectives. Some games are highly competitive and require immense skill. Others are meant to take you on a journey.

It’s More Than Meets the Eye

Many adults, in my opinion, see video games as mindless since they frequently lack a complete awareness of the depth and complexity they may provide. Video games could seem like basic pastimes where people sit for hours staring at a screen, pressing buttons, and get nothing of real-world value. This viewpoint arises from a time when games were simpler, like arcade games where the primary objective was to earn a high score, and the interactivity was restricted to simple mechanisms like leaping or shooting. Older generations typically consider gaming as merely a pass-time diversion.

The Real Problem: Blue Light

While video games themselves are not the problem, unless they teach you things that are horrible, the real problem is blue light. Blue light is present on all screens and can affect your eyes. For handheld devices, you can change the light from blue to red, making the screen appear orangish-red instead. However, the most common solution depends on your parents.

The Journey of Understanding

Over the years, video games have evolved beyond simple pastimes to become intricate and multifaceted. They foster problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and social interaction. Many games require players to engage in complex narratives, puzzles, and cooperative efforts, making them far from mindless. The misconception about video games being unproductive stems from a lack of understanding of their modern complexity and the skills they can develop.

The Cultural Impact

The cultural impact of video games is significant. They are a reflection of society, and they often mirror the values, challenges, and themes present in our modern world. Games that encompass complex storylines and moral dilemmas can even offer players a glimpse into different cultures and perspectives, broadening their understanding of the world around them. However, the negative cultural impact can be seen in the way certain games, especially those with violent themes, can potentially desensitize players to real-world violence.

Conclusion

While video games have become a much more nuanced and complex medium over the past two decades, they still face the stigma of being mindless entertainment. This misconception is rooted in the older generations' lack of familiarity and understanding of the current video game landscape. It is important to recognize that video games can be both a waste of time and a source of valuable learning and entertainment. The key is to balance screen time with other forms of engagement and to ensure that the games people choose are beneficial and enriching.