"Many people just think that computer games are "bad" because it's "bad" to sit in front of a screen all the time. It probably is, but better an (interactive) computer screen than a (one-way) TV screen any day. Geek kids will grow up smarter and better adjusted than MTV kids anyday."
Probably a whole conversation in this alone. I mean the redeeming qualities of TV versus computer games. Certainly, sitting in from of the Learning Channel would be fine as a TV example. Then, other shows on TV like, perhaps, ER, where a person could learn in passing a bit of medical info. Then, we move to another type of show, sci-fi, where, like SF books, the imagination is perked and young people wonder about what they have seen and if it can be done as they, perhaps, pursue a scientic career. Last on the list, IMO, is watching sports. Not sure there are any redeeming qualities to be found there.
Then there are games. Particularly strategy games. Possibly some good to be found there as it teaches planning, analysis, exercises the memory, puzzle-solving, and, perhaps, in certain games (like the Sim City series), there may even be some practical learning available. But, once again, not sure the games my 12-year-old plays (where it's mostly about violence, where Versions allow you to play the "bad guy", sell drugs to get money, run from the police, etc.) are wonderful "tools" to grow up with. He spends way too much time, IMO, glued to his PC/PS/Xbox playing games. I feel his social skills are being hurt. And he looks about as pale as a guy can be 'cause the sun only touches his skin at school (LOL). I DID hear a report that said kids who play on the PC x-number of hours a day were originally thought to be harmed but studies showed they seemed to do better in school than those who had a "regular" life. So...what's a guy to do?
In the case of SE, I think a lot of guys (all ages) tend to learn some extra computer graphics skills so that they can make ship sets (modeling) and host their own website (HTML, Frontpage, etc.) And that's a good thing (well, until someone in India takes your job for 1 8th the salary...LOL).
"When you're too old for sex"
And just when would that be?!?!
[ May 17, 2004, 23:09: Message edited by: Slynky ]