How can I defend video games?

[Randoman01]

*remove post*

[Sky High]

you don't have to defend how you spend your spare time, or what you are passionate about. if a person is incapable of seeing the harmlessness of playing video games then at some point you have to resign to the fact they will never see your point of view. so trying to argue with them is a waste of time. I don't think I can be helpful in what you are looking for. the only advice I give people is stop giving a shit what other people think.

[xChurch]

What you enjoy doesn't require defending.

[Blueobelisk]

Who exactly are you defending video games from?

[Noomz]

I am 20 and I am very passionate about video games. But one of my pet peeves is that this is the year 2014 and I still see many people who are very anti video games in this day and age. Many people still see video games as a waste of time, violent, addictive, or bad for you. I am kind of tired of it and I hope that I can change the perspective of them. And this whole thing about video games being bad for you is nothing really new. Older generations or people have always been skeptical of new media. Everything from writing, Novels, Comic Books, Radio, Movies, Television, Computers, Dungeons and Dragons, The Internet, Social Media, Smartphones, etc. Has been blamed for corrupting children, teens and adults, and even threatening civilization itself. I find that it is ironic that many of the same complaints of earlier media like I have listed above sound just like the complaints over video games today. I was wondering if you have some new information or other info that can help me on defending one of my passions that would be great. Thanks.

There's no point in arguing with the ignorant. They are too ignorant to understand the points you make, because they are incapable of relating to what you're trying to tell them. It's like having to describe how the wheel was invented when you want to talk about how much like like cars.

[zoomgpally]

Who exactly are you defending video games from?

Probably people that want capital punishment for video games because "omg violent games make mass murderers!

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There's no point in arguing with the ignorant. They are too ignorant to understand the points you make, because they are incapable of relating to what you're trying to tell them. It's like having to describe how the wheel was invented when you want to talk about how much like like cars.

This, ignorant people just will not learn.

[Blueobelisk]

Probably people that want capital punishment for video games because "omg violent games make mass murderers!

I bet it's from his family (or friends/acquaintances).

[Mirishka]

I am 20 and I am very passionate about video games. But one of my pet peeves is that this is the year 2014 and I still see many people who are very anti video games in this day and age. Many people still see video games as a waste of time, violent, addictive, or bad for you. I am kind of tired of it and I hope that I can change the perspective of them. And this whole thing about video games being bad for you is nothing really new. Older generations or people have always been skeptical of new media. Everything from writing, Novels, Comic Books, Radio, Movies, Television, Computers, Dungeons and Dragons, The Internet, Social Media, Smartphones, etc. Has been blamed for corrupting children, teens and adults, and even threatening civilization itself. I find that it is ironic that many of the same complaints of earlier media like I have listed above sound just like the complaints over video games today. I was wondering if you have some new information or other info that can help me on defending one of my passions that would be great. Thanks.

You're much better off realizing that you don't need to defend your love of gaming. Do what you enjoy, and the hell with what anyone else thinks. Simple as that.

[Antbregante]

If I ever felt the need to defend my video game use I would just speak the truth. Video games are my escape. I don't have the money to travel the world but I can visit many different lands and meet many different peoples in video games. I can also do things that would most likely get me killed in real life. In real life I am pretty plain but in video games I can be damn near anything I want to be. The people that don't play video games are usually the boring ones.

[Jester Joe]

With magic, or a sword and shield.

But seriously, if someone won't accept that it's just a hobby to you, I don't think you can do much to convince them otherwise.

[Jakexe]

I usually just ask for their hobbies and point out how ridiculous their hobbies are when broken down using old stereotypes and cliches.

Or just ignore them because fuck judging others because of what they choose to do for fun.

[Socialhealer]

easy, tell them to fuck off and mind their own business.

[Radio]

"I'm a productive member of society and it is one of the hobbies that I choose to occupy my spare time with."

Note: The above may not work if you are not seen as a productive member of society.

[lawow74]

Point out how ludicrous the idea is that just because something could potentially harm someone it should be outlawed. Remind people that at some point personal responsibility should enter the equation. And if they still try to weasel around and say 'vidja games is bad', then leave them to their small-minded opinion and stop caring what they think because it's obvious it's a waste of time.

[Dedweight]

If I ever felt the need to defend my video game use I would just speak the truth.

And if that doesn't work give them links to any of the multiple studies that show gaming, in limited amounts, can actually be good for you and be used as legitimate therapeutic tools for things ranging from Arthritis to Dyslexia and many others.

[UnholySanctuary]

Probably people that want capital punishment for video games because "omg violent games make mass murderers!

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This, ignorant people just will not learn.

Honestly, I'd like to see their reasoning behind this groundless theory, as many studies have been done with the conclusion that violent video games don't turn people into violent people (and quoting clueless politicians doesn't count).

If anyone wishes to pass judgment on you, tell them how close-minded they really are.

[Krommm]

You just ignore people because people will always find some sort of scapegoat. (whether it's a legitimate reason or not) People love to claim society bred them a certain way, drugs/alcohol is why I'm such a terrible person/downer, etc.

Anything done to excess is harmful and that is where potential "video game violence" or "waste" is attributed to. You could spend time doing other productive things or more culturally acceptable things to the stubborn. (watching men grope each other throwing a ball on TV for hours, getting a drug "high", completely getting trashed at a party/club, you get the idea)

People really hate when you ignore them, so that's your best "defense" if you are truly feeling persecuted. Carry on and have fun with what YOU want to do on your spare time. Don't expect anyone to support you at all if you are neglecting any responsibilities however.

[Deleted]

Some people just live in the caves of the past. Just feel good you are modern hip person who like to enjoy futuristic lifestyle. Who needs approval when you're enjoying bleeding edge futuristic entertainment? Oculus rift here i come! (final version soon PPPLLLLSSSS!)

[Incandio]

Your best defense is to lead a healthy, productive and integrated life, while also being a gamer. If you are a gamer and you do none of those things, then whatever argument you come out with will be self-evidently untrue.

[intrinsc]

I am 20 and I am very passionate about video games. But one of my pet peeves is that this is the year 2014 and I still see many people who are very anti video games in this day and age. Many people still see video games as a waste of time, violent, addictive, or bad for you. I am kind of tired of it and I hope that I can change the perspective of them. And this whole thing about video games being bad for you is nothing really new. Older generations or people have always been skeptical of new media. Everything from writing, Novels, Comic Books, Radio, Movies, Television, Computers, Dungeons and Dragons, The Internet, Social Media, Smartphones, etc. Has been blamed for corrupting children, teens and adults, and even threatening civilization itself. I find that it is ironic that many of the same complaints of earlier media like I have listed above sound just like the complaints over video games today. I was wondering if you have some new information or other info that can help me on defending one of my passions that would be great. Thanks.

Don't get your hopes up. Entertainment, despite offering a very clear service to society, is seldom seen as a "good" thing.