Video Games
Lately I have been thinking a lot about TV and Video Games. The reason why is because it has been so prevalent in our world today. Playing video games and watching TV is how most Americans spend their leisure time. I am against these activities if they are chosen too often, unless done in moderation and here are my reasons why I disagree with them.
First of all my father did not allow my brother and I to watch too much television. We never even had cable, and video games in my house were pretty limited. We had to do our chores and make sure things were done before we could play. I honestly recall it wasn't very much that we played any video games or watched TV. Besides my brother and I would usually choose to be in our rooms doing things, playing with friends, or playing outside with each other. Of course when my brother got older he was into video games, but that slowly changed when he found his sweet heart and started his own family. I on the other hand continued my habit of not playing video games as much, and only watching television on occasion. During my college years I did not have time for those things, so seldom did them as well. Because I was not used to watching a lot of TV or playing video games I continue to be that way even in married life.
Secondly I am pretty familiar with the statistics of how excessive amounts of TV and video games can negatively affect children in the long run. There are many articles that state that aggressive behavior is linked to violent video games. Just do the research if you aren't familiar with it and you'll find out the same thing. Sure there are arguments from both sides on the matter, however I find that in most of the cases like the Columbine story, they have been found to be addicts of violent video games. Now some may say video games are not the cause and that might be true. Maybe violent video games are not the direct cause of violent acts in real life, but they could easily influence such behavior and are most likely contributing factors. To be fair I have also learned there are now more video games and television shows where children can learn their ABC's and can be considered beneficial or productive entertainment where you can learn while you play. But isn't there a line, that if crossed, becomes obsessive or just plain too much or too often? Television and video games aren't babysitters and can't replace parents or family time. I understand that a balanced life is important and playing video games or watching TV is a normal part of leisure time or a way to relax, but shouldn't there be a limit?
Finally I come to my point of why I am bringing this up and it's because not only do I see children watching and playing more video games, I see adults as well. This site I found interesting http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/08/18/playing-too-many-video-games-is-bad-for-you-too-grown-ups/. I have a few people that come to mind who are adults and I wonder might be addicted to video games. I have friends that play video games everyday or every week and if I want to get together with them I have to join them in their video game playing. Sure they have the right to do as they please, but why do we always have to get together for that reason, isn't there anything else we can do?? I also have a brother in law who every time we get together with him we have to play video games. Even as a guest at our house over Christmas he gets the video games started. I don't see him very often and when I do see him, we play video games, so it would be nice for a change, to get to know him better other than through video games. I don't mean to speak unkindly of them at all, I am just wondering why does the world find television and video games so exciting. Why does it take up most of their leisure time??
I hope you don't consider me a hypocrite, because don't get me wrong, I have my days set aside where I have my TV watching and occasionally play non violent video games with my husband. I just get on my soap box over people who only do those two activities in their spare time. Life is so rewarding and there is so much to do other than to waste it on media. I understand winter can be tough for some but honestly, there are plenty of other healthy and entertaining alternatives.
Am I alone in this way of thinking? Does anyone feel like I'm too old fashioned? I know there is research out there that says to keep life healthy and limit these things but why doesn't that seem to phase some people? Can someone please help me understand this? My purpose in writing this post is to promote a worth while discussion on a topic that has been on my mind for awhile. Please let me know if any of you have anything to say, no matter if you disagree or agree with me.
First of all my father did not allow my brother and I to watch too much television. We never even had cable, and video games in my house were pretty limited. We had to do our chores and make sure things were done before we could play. I honestly recall it wasn't very much that we played any video games or watched TV. Besides my brother and I would usually choose to be in our rooms doing things, playing with friends, or playing outside with each other. Of course when my brother got older he was into video games, but that slowly changed when he found his sweet heart and started his own family. I on the other hand continued my habit of not playing video games as much, and only watching television on occasion. During my college years I did not have time for those things, so seldom did them as well. Because I was not used to watching a lot of TV or playing video games I continue to be that way even in married life.
Secondly I am pretty familiar with the statistics of how excessive amounts of TV and video games can negatively affect children in the long run. There are many articles that state that aggressive behavior is linked to violent video games. Just do the research if you aren't familiar with it and you'll find out the same thing. Sure there are arguments from both sides on the matter, however I find that in most of the cases like the Columbine story, they have been found to be addicts of violent video games. Now some may say video games are not the cause and that might be true. Maybe violent video games are not the direct cause of violent acts in real life, but they could easily influence such behavior and are most likely contributing factors. To be fair I have also learned there are now more video games and television shows where children can learn their ABC's and can be considered beneficial or productive entertainment where you can learn while you play. But isn't there a line, that if crossed, becomes obsessive or just plain too much or too often? Television and video games aren't babysitters and can't replace parents or family time. I understand that a balanced life is important and playing video games or watching TV is a normal part of leisure time or a way to relax, but shouldn't there be a limit?
Finally I come to my point of why I am bringing this up and it's because not only do I see children watching and playing more video games, I see adults as well. This site I found interesting http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2009/08/18/playing-too-many-video-games-is-bad-for-you-too-grown-ups/. I have a few people that come to mind who are adults and I wonder might be addicted to video games. I have friends that play video games everyday or every week and if I want to get together with them I have to join them in their video game playing. Sure they have the right to do as they please, but why do we always have to get together for that reason, isn't there anything else we can do?? I also have a brother in law who every time we get together with him we have to play video games. Even as a guest at our house over Christmas he gets the video games started. I don't see him very often and when I do see him, we play video games, so it would be nice for a change, to get to know him better other than through video games. I don't mean to speak unkindly of them at all, I am just wondering why does the world find television and video games so exciting. Why does it take up most of their leisure time??
I hope you don't consider me a hypocrite, because don't get me wrong, I have my days set aside where I have my TV watching and occasionally play non violent video games with my husband. I just get on my soap box over people who only do those two activities in their spare time. Life is so rewarding and there is so much to do other than to waste it on media. I understand winter can be tough for some but honestly, there are plenty of other healthy and entertaining alternatives.
Am I alone in this way of thinking? Does anyone feel like I'm too old fashioned? I know there is research out there that says to keep life healthy and limit these things but why doesn't that seem to phase some people? Can someone please help me understand this? My purpose in writing this post is to promote a worth while discussion on a topic that has been on my mind for awhile. Please let me know if any of you have anything to say, no matter if you disagree or agree with me.
