viveks86
Member
Amen to that!
But this doesn't address the part that many here seem to be so convinced about. Porn = mind control?
I'm becoming convinced that games are a tool to pacify us
- Thread starter Himuro
- Start date
But this doesn't address the part that many here seem to be so convinced about. Porn = mind control?
Nocty
Member
I think your post and others in here presents a somewhat oversimplified view of addiction that doesn't fully align with what the science says.
You're right in that that environment and individual predispositions (psychological, social, gentics etc etc) play a huge role in addiction — that part is well-supported. But to suggest that substances and behaviours themselves don't have inherent addictive potential is misleading at best and just ignorant at worst. sorry, but many substances — opioids, nicotine, meth, cocaine — absolutely have pharmacological properties that make them highly addictive, regardless of environment or personal trauma.
You mentioned Vietnam veterans and heroin, which is often referenced, but it's worth noting that this case is more nuanced than it appears. Later research showed that many of those soldiers did continue to struggle with substance use, albeit not always with heroin. Also, availability and cultural context changed drastically after they returned home — it's not just that they were suddenly fine because their environment changed.
As for the "90% of people drink and aren't addicted" argument — that doesn't prove alcohol isn't addictive. It just shows that not everyone develops a disorder. But millions do. The same logic would say "most people drive cars and don't crash — therefore, cars aren't dangerous," which obviously doesn't hold up. Addiction is a statistical risk — not a guaranteed outcome — but that doesn't mean the substances/processes are benign.
Lastly, framing addiction too heavily around self-responsibility risks ignoring the very real physiological and neurological mechanisms involved. Addiction isn't just a bad habit or a lack of willpower like many people here seem to be thinking.. it's classified in medicine as a chronic brain disorder. People absolutely need support, structure, and sometimes medical intervention — not just introspection and accountability.... stuff like videogames and porn absolutely can be as dangerous as substances to some people, not direct physically damaging or risk of death, but definitely life hampering.
Responsibility has its place, especially in recovery. But reducing addiction to a mindset issue ignores how deeply it rewires the brain, and that perspective can inadvertently shame people who need help the most.
I argue respectfuly but I studied biology and specialised in addiction therapy before I wound down my career for a less stressful and mentally draining role.
TLDR I have dealt with a ton of porn addicted men (and some women) so absolutely stand on my hill to die trying to get people away from it. It will fuck you up long term, no question about it. You may think its just harmless or that you are not influenced / addicted to it, but then later in life you develop premature ED and other symptoms start creeping in because you destroyed your neural pathways and dopamine reception over the years.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
I can see that being true, if you've actually got the means to do other stuff. Some folks don't have a ton of options after work. It's either getting bitch slapped at the local rec center, grabbing a bite, chilling with friends or family, or diving into a hobby… like I do by making music no one listens to (big ups to my slightly over 50 YouTube views, 50 of which are me).
Sure, for someone (like you and myself) with the luxury of hopping on a goddamn boat and sailing off into the sunset, video games might feel like a pacifier. But a lot of people don't even have access to a big enough puddle, let alone the money to leave their own zip code.
What did I do in the '80s before the internet and video games were everywhere? I socialized, I guess… at wild hood parties where niggas would mean-mug from walls for no reason, or get beat the fuck up at the rec center for trying to play basketball when it was clearly boxing day.... every day. The movie theater? Basically a fight club with popcorn. And when we weren't doing that, it was chilling outside the deli, smoking weed, maybe selling some, while dodging bad decisions and failing at it.
So yeah, none of that was exactly productive, but I'll tell you this: video games are far less likely to get you arrested or jumped in a parking lot.
I don't live in that environment anymore, thankfully, but I know a lot of people still do. And for many, gaming isn't just a pastime, it's a better, safer alternative. Might not be ideal by your & my standards, but it beats some less favorable options out there.
Sure, for someone (like you and myself) with the luxury of hopping on a goddamn boat and sailing off into the sunset, video games might feel like a pacifier. But a lot of people don't even have access to a big enough puddle, let alone the money to leave their own zip code.
What did I do in the '80s before the internet and video games were everywhere? I socialized, I guess… at wild hood parties where niggas would mean-mug from walls for no reason, or get beat the fuck up at the rec center for trying to play basketball when it was clearly boxing day.... every day. The movie theater? Basically a fight club with popcorn. And when we weren't doing that, it was chilling outside the deli, smoking weed, maybe selling some, while dodging bad decisions and failing at it.
So yeah, none of that was exactly productive, but I'll tell you this: video games are far less likely to get you arrested or jumped in a parking lot.
I don't live in that environment anymore, thankfully, but I know a lot of people still do. And for many, gaming isn't just a pastime, it's a better, safer alternative. Might not be ideal by your & my standards, but it beats some less favorable options out there.
Himuro
Member
Jesus Christ, your posts are based. And you have a Princess Mononoke avatar. Even more based.I think your post and others in here presents a somewhat oversimplified view of addiction that doesn't fully align with what the science says.
You're right in that that environment and individual predispositions (psychological, social, gentics etc etc) play a huge role in addiction — that part is well-supported. But to suggest that substances and behaviours themselves don't have inherent addictive potential is misleading at best and just ignorant at worst. sorry, but many substances — opioids, nicotine, meth, cocaine — absolutely have pharmacological properties that make them highly addictive, regardless of environment or personal trauma.
You mentioned Vietnam veterans and heroin, which is often referenced, but it's worth noting that this case is more nuanced than it appears. Later research showed that many of those soldiers did continue to struggle with substance use, albeit not always with heroin. Also, availability and cultural context changed drastically after they returned home — it's not just that they were suddenly fine because their environment changed.
As for the "90% of people drink and aren't addicted" argument — that doesn't prove alcohol isn't addictive. It just shows that not everyone develops a disorder. But millions do. The same logic would say "most people drive cars and don't crash — therefore, cars aren't dangerous," which obviously doesn't hold up. Addiction is a statistical risk — not a guaranteed outcome — but that doesn't mean the substances/processes are benign.
Lastly, framing addiction too heavily around self-responsibility risks ignoring the very real physiological and neurological mechanisms involved. Addiction isn't just a bad habit or a lack of willpower like many people here seem to be thinking.. it's classified in medicine as a chronic brain disorder. People absolutely need support, structure, and sometimes medical intervention — not just introspection and accountability.... stuff like videogames and porn absolutely can be as dangerous as substances to some people, not direct physically damaging or risk of death, but definitely life hampering.
Responsibility has its place, especially in recovery. But reducing addiction to a mindset issue ignores how deeply it rewires the brain, and that perspective can inadvertently shame people who need help the most.
I argue respectfuly but I studied biology and specialised in addiction therapy before I wound down my career for a less stressful and mentally draining role.
poodaddy
Member
Pretty much exactly what I said earlier. Everything's addictive and harmful if you push it far enough, even fitness, (I speak from experience there as I literally have no way to track how many injuries I've had from training over the years and overdoing it, such is why I'm taking it more easy these days while I'm back in school again, just do pull ups and dips every other day for three sets each, walk about three miles a day, essentially trying to just maintain some semblance of strength and health these days rather than actively growing I suppose), but I don't understand how someone can point to games and say they're somehow inherently bad for you or cause productivity problems. That's on the individual, and you can apply that to all hobbies across the board really. If you're playing for ten hours a day? Yeah, that's kind of a problem. It would also be a problem if you watched Sports center for ten hours straight, or if you read for that long, or if you train for that long, or even study for that long, these are all bad. We gotta get up and move folks, it's just part of how we're put together, we're meant to move, but we're also meant to rest, it's literally how our nervous system recuperates, and if you don't do things you love then you're going to have higher inflammation levels and, thus, probably a shorter life.
If you've knocked out your work for the day, devoted time to your family, learned a bit to tickle your brain, eaten a healthy diet, and devoted some time to exercise, then winding down with video games is a great way to reduce stress while actively engaging with a hobby rather than passively, as in through films and the like. Most strength coaches actively recommend things like games, movies, and books to lifters as ways to bring their stress and inflammation down to aid in recovery times after intense sessions, so I say prescribe yourself an hour a day of games folks, if for nothing else then for your health
.
Himuro
Member
What interests me is how video games transformed from a mostly social activity (arcades, fighting games, local splitscreen) into a more isolative activity. I don't think games are inherently bad but I'm interested in how they've transformed from something the whole family can enjoy to a hobby for losers in the dark listening to their computer hum with a bottle of lotion nearby.
Nocty
Member
I agree with this outlook, but I do think it's important to separate types of addiction. Video game addiction, while real for some, is generally less harmful than substance addiction — you're not risking overdose, liver failure, or spreading disease. Most people who game heavily aren't "addicted" in the clinical sense; they're just passionate or using games as a coping mechanism and or have adventures they could not get elsewhere.
That doesn't mean it's never a problem, but framing all gaming as potentially addictive or comparing it directly to heroin use feels like a stretch - hence, my agreement. Context and consequences matter. It's worth being mindful, but we shouldn't treat all forms of "addiction" as equally dangerous my friends.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
You got me cracking up with that. I think you just described my son.
Video games can definitely impact some people's ability to function day-to-day.
Himuro
Member
Get him off that shit bruh. What skills have you taught him? Does he participate willingly or is it pulling teeth? I don't have a son (yet) but I'm sure you're doing all you can.You got me cracking up with that. I think you just described my son.
I don't know man. I know the thread sounds judgemental. I just noticed this stuff after taking all social media apps off my phone in February or so and I hadn't played games since....March? February? I've spent time sailing, adventuring, doing life stuff. So the dopamine of instant gratification hit me like a bag of bricks and I was like,"damn, this isn't good."
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Himuro
Member
Idleyes
Gold Member
Honestly? Nothing in particular. I don't really have any skills myself, I was never taught any. My father left when I was three, became a successful reggae artist, and passed away recently before he ever passes any skills on to me.
My son, (who graduated from High School 2023), he's got some things going for him. He's held two jobs (simultaneously) for the past eight years, has his own car, and he gets out from time to time with his co workers, sister & her friends. He also hangs out with me while I'm learning and doing day trading and he seems to get it. There is much more to him but I dunno, don't feel like sharing it all?
Regardless he does holed himself up in his fortress built out of dirty laundry yelling at people over the net.
Himuro
Member
I understand. I'm sure you're doing the best you can. Tell him to fight for his dreams. Sorry if the question was too probing or perceived as disrespectful.
Despite having a father - though he passed - much I've learned I learned from my own accord. Being a father is tough I'm sure; being a son is also tough.
I want to express it's not too late to learn something new and perhaps learn things together as father and son.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
Facts! But imma be honest with you, I think I'm more a hardcore gamer than he is! I just don't have a fortress made of laundry. I really enjoy video games. I do see how they are unproductive though. So as the HNIC in my house I have all my soldiers (my wife and three kids) doing shit as a family on the regular. As far as skills, everything I know was self taught. I work as an Office Administrator, where I handle major client accounts like Disney, McDonalds (corporate account), & every major construction company across the US, and I didn't even graduate from high school.
I've made sure to show my kids just how much great information and opportunity is available to them online these days, no matter what they want to pursue. I won't go into too much detail, but they're way better off than I was at their age.
They've got both parents in their lives, and I own the home we live in. Those alone are a huge step forward. My mom had it rough, raising four kids on her own, moving us twice a year, and constantly having to switch schools. It was tough, but I've come a long way.
Himuro
Member
Good shit! I'm proud of you fam. You doing great, my man. Take it with pride. Also, three kids. Whew, you are active!
DeepEnigma
Gold Member
All entertainment is.
The trick is to use it just for that, and only that. Not to let it "sedate you" and rob you from exploring the beauty this world has to offer.
The trick is to use it just for that, and only that. Not to let it "sedate you" and rob you from exploring the beauty this world has to offer.
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StereoVsn
Gold Member
That's some shroom hit right there by the OP. We got "Elites" and Controlling and mixing in "real men" and it's all through video games, lol.
Real control is through continuously worsening inequality, increasingly kleptocratic governments (I mean who wouldn't want a $400mil plane as a small gift), increasingly powerful financial and tech oligarchs and blight of social media.
Video Games are so far fucking down the list of "control" that it's ridiculous to even mention them in same breath.
Edit: We are basically at the giant inequality level of the Gilded Age, about to get hit by AI job killing train and OP thinks video games are the problem.
Real control is through continuously worsening inequality, increasingly kleptocratic governments (I mean who wouldn't want a $400mil plane as a small gift
), increasingly powerful financial and tech oligarchs and blight of social media.Video Games are so far fucking down the list of "control" that it's ridiculous to even mention them in same breath.
Edit: We are basically at the giant inequality level of the Gilded Age, about to get hit by AI job killing train and OP thinks video games are the problem.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
That's some shroom hit right there by the OP. We got "Elites" and Controlling and mixing in "real men" and it's all through video games, lol.
Real control is through continuously worsening inequality, increasingly kleptocratic governments (I mean who wouldn't want a $400mil plane as a small gift
Video Games are so far fucking down the list of "control" that it's ridiculous to even mention them in same breath.
I think the argument is that video games keep people entertained so they won't go pouring tea into the Boston Harbor. Kna mean?
StereoVsn
Gold Member
What I am saying it's that video games are so far down that list that it's ridiculous. Social Media, gambling (look at the huge push of online and physical gambling all over as well as crypto schemes), and absolutely ridiculous spread of misinformation (now with AI) is doing the job of dumbing down the crowds, not video games. The latter are very small percentage.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
I'm not sure that claim holds up, especially considering video games generate more revenue than both the movie and music industries combined. Besides, doesn't all your examples have the same effect and just work together toward the same end?
GudOlRub
Member
While I think this thread is ridiculous, I do think there's some food for thought to be had here as well.
The elites probably love videogames, while we either spend our time and money playing them or arguing against one another because there's women or black people in games, they gather all the wealth for themselves.
By the time we as a society finally realize it's not an identity politics war, but a class war instead where the billionaires take all they can from us, it will probably be too late and us gamers seem to be quite a substancial part of that ignorance unfortunately.
The elites probably love videogames, while we either spend our time and money playing them or arguing against one another because there's women or black people in games, they gather all the wealth for themselves.
By the time we as a society finally realize it's not an identity politics war, but a class war instead where the billionaires take all they can from us, it will probably be too late and us gamers seem to be quite a substancial part of that ignorance unfortunately.
peronmls
Member
"I play video games for a treat". Do you also blame tasty foods for making people fat or the person eating it? "Video Games are ruining and controlling my life. I also can't have sex becuase the porn is too good." Using that as a comparison shows you have the problem, not video games. Just because you are wasting your time not doing anything with your life does not mean everyone else does, and just assuming this is the outcome of people who play video games. Nobody cares about your ambitions. Shut up and make your dreams come true like the rest of us who happen to play video games.
People still play games and :
Touch Grass
Travel
Have sex (Watching porn is not sex FYI.)
Have a family
Make money (probably more than
Himuro
)
Many people, including myself, don't have social media. And it is not because it is "addictive". It is because we don't care about people explaining their lives like you are doing this moment.
You might as well cut out all other "distracting" types of media and go Amish. They might get in the way of your pride and "ambitions". It's your choice if you are unable to balance your life. First step. Delete your GAF account.
People still play games and :
Touch Grass
Travel
Have sex (Watching porn is not sex FYI.)
Have a family
Make money (probably more than
Himuro
)Many people, including myself, don't have social media. And it is not because it is "addictive". It is because we don't care about people explaining their lives like you are doing this moment.
You might as well cut out all other "distracting" types of media and go Amish. They might get in the way of your pride and "ambitions". It's your choice if you are unable to balance your life. First step. Delete your GAF account.
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Himuro
Member
You seem pressed and incredibly triggered. I like that you're mad. Continue to stay in your feelings. It makes me chuckle."I play video games for a treat". Do you also blame tasty foods for making people fat or the person eating it? "Video Games are ruining and controlling my life. I also can't have sex becuase the porn is too good." Using that as a comparison shows you have the problem, not video games. Just because you are wasting your time not doing anything with your life does not mean everyone else does, and just assuming this is the outcome of people who play video games. Nobody cares about your ambitions. Shut up and make your dreams come true like the rest of us who happen to play video games.
People still play games and :
Touch Grass
Travel
Have sex (Watching porn is not sex FYI.)
Have a family
Make money (probably more than
Many people, including myself, don't have social media. And it is not because it is "addictive". It is because we don't care about people explaining their lives like you are doing this moment.
You might as well cut out all other "distracting" types of media and go Amish. They might get in the way of your pride and "ambitions". It's your choice if you are unable to balance your life. First step. Delete your GAF account.
Soodanim
Member
This thread makes the same mistake so many others make with this sort of thing. The primary motive is and always has been money. This industry made money and investments were made to keep it growing to make more money. People figured out efficient ways to keep people engaged and spending money.
Any secondary outcomes can be positive or negative for various parties but the fact is to blame manipulation is to ignore the fact that the industry is only giving people what they want because that's business. If it stopped making money investors would find something else instead.
The quote that Enigma posted a few up isn't to say that you have to specifically manipulate people, it's just stating the nature of people. Fulfil the basic needs and most are happy despite larger injustices. Take away the joy and people start looking for things to pay attention to, and if it just so happens to dumb people down because they're not pursuing other, more productive goals with their time then so be it.
tl;dr "elites" don't need to pacfiy society, society willingly pacifies itself
Any secondary outcomes can be positive or negative for various parties but the fact is to blame manipulation is to ignore the fact that the industry is only giving people what they want because that's business. If it stopped making money investors would find something else instead.
The quote that Enigma posted a few up isn't to say that you have to specifically manipulate people, it's just stating the nature of people. Fulfil the basic needs and most are happy despite larger injustices. Take away the joy and people start looking for things to pay attention to, and if it just so happens to dumb people down because they're not pursuing other, more productive goals with their time then so be it.
tl;dr "elites" don't need to pacfiy society, society willingly pacifies itself
I'm not sure it will ever happen, at least not in a way that causes significant change. Occupy Wall Street was the last go at identifying class as the real divide in society that I can think of and that went away.
Himuro
Member
I do not even own a PS5. I have zero interest in paying $450 for a sequel to a system I purchased for $300 and has $80-90 games. When I say I'm going to do it, I do it. When I said I'm done with Final Fantasy after Final Fantasy XIII, I did not purchase a single new FF product (besides FFX hd) until XV. I skipped XIII-2, Lightning Returns, Type 0, and more. To this day I have yet to play those games. People like you remind me of throwing pearls before swine. I find your train of thought pedestrian in manner. You are unable to communicate ideas so you merely insult. You laugh, but I laugh at you harder because you know deep down that you are beneath me.
The fact gamers are willing to pay $90 for Mario Kart proves their addiction to be true. Anyone with brains knows it's time to check out.
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Himuro
Member
It truly is a class war. They're making it so you don't own anything and are fine with that. I'm also convinced that the powers that be are opting for the cloud and digital libraries because a populace is more easy to control if you don't own what you consume. Sure, they're also doing it because physical things are more expensive to make, but there's also a side effect of the populace now being beholden to you. It used to be, to buy a movie you bought the dvd or blu-ray and consumed it on something you personally owned. Now you watch on their platform, and they can take it off at any time. If you own what you consume, you have a voice, however small, in its creation. But if you don't own something they can scrub the things they dislike and declare anathema, allowing them further control of ideas or values that society cherishes and holds.
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JimboJones
Member
If you're having issues and really think that gaming is negatively affecting your life, then sure, quitting is a valid response.
However, everyone's experiences are different, and what's true for you isn't necessarily true for everyone. Many people are perfectly fine with achieving life goals and dealing with their responsibilities while gaming as a hobby without it completely derailing their lives.
However, everyone's experiences are different, and what's true for you isn't necessarily true for everyone. Many people are perfectly fine with achieving life goals and dealing with their responsibilities while gaming as a hobby without it completely derailing their lives.
darrylgorn
Member
It's true.
Women all over the world will only date men who play video games.
Women all over the world will only date men who play video games.
Humdinger
Gold Member
That's not what I said, though. What I said was this: "the substances do not in themselves have the power to addict."
The "addictive potential" of substances is surely part of the equation. I am not denying that. In fact, what I said in my post assumes that. After all, how could some people get addicted to a substance if there was not an "addictive potential" in that substance?
I'll restate. Whether someone develops an addiction - which is not the same as physical dependence - depends primarily on the individual (background, psychological resources, vulnerabiliities, etc.) and his/her environment. The substance - dosage and time used - does determine physical dependency in a predictable fashion. However, addiction is more than just physical dependency. I'm sure you understand this but I'm explaining for the "audience."
It's a matter of emphasis. I agree that all three are involved. It would be ludicrous not to. However, many people, including some professionals, mistakenly emphasize the physiological "hook" of the substances, or processes - making that the centerpiece of how addiction works.
I think that's a mistake. I think the emphasis belongs on how the individual responds to the substance, which is based on the person's history, genetics, what that substance does for him or her, the function or role of that substance in the person's life, the way it helps him/her "solve" problems that he/she otherwise cannot come to grips with, and the "environment" he or she is surrounded by, etc. Btw, I'm using "environment" as shorthand not just for external stressors but for the systems and relationships that person is involved in, which are almost always dysfunctional to various degrees.
Fair enough. I did oversimplify that. My point was that if heroin was, in and of itself, addictive, then the majority of those soldiers should not have been able to just give it up once they returned to the states. That they continued to have psychological/emotional struggles after returning from Vietnam is no surprise, and so of course some would develop addiction to other substances.
Again, I think this is based on a misunderstanding of what I said. I'll leave it there.
RSLAEV
Member
We're all distracting ourselves from the real issue: that we're going to die and there's nothing we can do to prevent it.
Go ahead and sail your boat. Raise a family, buy a house. Find your purpose and strive towards it. For some people that purpose is playing vidya and visiting the hub every once and a while. You might think that to be a waste of a life but I think as long as you can look yourself in the mirror and feel No Ragrets, then you've won.
Just like "The Man in the Glass" by Peter Dale Wimbow Sr:
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he's with you, clear to the end
And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
Go ahead and sail your boat. Raise a family, buy a house. Find your purpose and strive towards it. For some people that purpose is playing vidya and visiting the hub every once and a while. You might think that to be a waste of a life but I think as long as you can look yourself in the mirror and feel No Ragrets, then you've won.
Just like "The Man in the Glass" by Peter Dale Wimbow Sr:
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
And the world makes you king for a day
Just go to the mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father, or mother, or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
He's the fellow to please – never mind all the rest
For he's with you, clear to the end
And you've passed your most difficult, dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
EverydayBeast
ChatGPT 0.001
OP gets it hello early weekend thread. But no games are made for fun, competitiveness, art etc.
ZehDon
Member
Well said.All entertainment is.
The trick is to use it just for that, and only that. Not to let it "sedate you" and rob you from exploring the beauty this world has to offer.
Shubh_C63
Member
poodaddy
Member
My daughter is a straight A student and an incredible saxophone, keyboard, and clarinet player. Starting martial arts soon. She's been studying Japanese for almost two years now of her own accord, and she just recently got placed in math classes for freshman year of high school despite her being in seventh grade.
I let her play games for up to three hours a day. Always have. Only thing I restrict her from is online garbage that's just meant to addict you, shit like gacha games and what not and games with toxic communities. How does that fit into your narrative about games being bad for the kids?
BouncyFrag
Member
The world we live in is a carefully constructed one where we go along with it without question. You are not wrong. The question is whether or not there are those to stand against it when the time is right?
cartman414
Member
If that were the case why are they becoming more expensive?
Durin
Member
Addiction itself is the actual problem, and video games are just newer things to distract yourself with.
You just have to manage your time, cultivate discipline and self-control.
Only thing about video games is like other goal-oriented hobbies, they can trick you into procrastination, because they give you a sense of achievement if you're dreading doing something that you NEED to still do.
You also have some service-based games that throw in gambling psychological tricks for addiction, so I would usually say just avoid. Play multiplayer games that aren't a treadmill.
You just have to manage your time, cultivate discipline and self-control.
Only thing about video games is like other goal-oriented hobbies, they can trick you into procrastination, because they give you a sense of achievement if you're dreading doing something that you NEED to still do.
You also have some service-based games that throw in gambling psychological tricks for addiction, so I would usually say just avoid. Play multiplayer games that aren't a treadmill.
Idleyes
Gold Member
What a selfish mutha fuck he was eh? Yeeesh.
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Idleyes
Gold Member
They almost always end up getting their balloons popped.
Soodanim
Member
The meaning of life is to create meaning, but the poem is deeper than that.
You can live an entire life as a successful businessman making everyone around you rich, but if you're going to do that by means that make you feel guilty then you won't be fulfilled by it and the adulation of others won't really mean anything.
But if you spend your life doing things that make you happy then you'll feel content in your choices. That could be incredibly selfless things, but the key is doing it because that's what you want to do. Whether that's a personal moral code or even for the buzz, the point is that others come and go and their opinions with them but you have to live with yourself.
Like with your background. It sounds to me like your circumstances gave you the drive to not let history repeat itself with your own kids and you're seeing that through. You don't do it for their praise, you do it because you know it's the right thing to do as a responsible father.
Philosophically it gets into the "There's no truly selfless act" territory but that's irrelevant anyway because things can have multiple positive outcomes.
Krathoon
Member
Yeah. We would not be having this DEI problem with video games at all.
It would be more like games in the early 2000s.
Zacfoldor
Member
So are politics.
No matter how perfect the world around us is, life will never suddenly become a picnic. We are each on our own way to the grave and subject to the bludgeonings of chance. Without control things would be chaos, which is their natural state. There is no ill will or malevolence in these mechanisms, simply they have evolved into being and are no more or no less than they must be in order to maintain order and enable history. Without them we would be lost. Adrift on a cruel ocean with no shore to be found, each of us a wave bound to die in obscurity, never leaving our mark on the beautiful shore. To remove these mechanisms would be pure folly. Our frail deeds might one day dance in a green bay.
No matter how perfect the world around us is, life will never suddenly become a picnic. We are each on our own way to the grave and subject to the bludgeonings of chance. Without control things would be chaos, which is their natural state. There is no ill will or malevolence in these mechanisms, simply they have evolved into being and are no more or no less than they must be in order to maintain order and enable history. Without them we would be lost. Adrift on a cruel ocean with no shore to be found, each of us a wave bound to die in obscurity, never leaving our mark on the beautiful shore. To remove these mechanisms would be pure folly. Our frail deeds might one day dance in a green bay.
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If you want to go down that rabbit hole, I also recommend looking into the Tavistock Research Institute:
Tavistock: The World’s Top-Secret and Premier Brainwashing Institute
“Those who manipulate the unseen mechanisms of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. We are governed,
en.dailypakistan.com.pk
Himuro
Member
Played some REmake after completing the things that needed to be done.
Once you're aware of what video games can do to the brain it becomes easier to control it. That said, you must be cognizant of it.
I definitely think video games can be addictive and hijack the brains chemistry so I definitely find them to be potentially dangerous, especially in younger brains and those that aren't aware of the effects. But I think with controlled effort you can manipulate the impulses to how you want them. Alcohol is a very good comparison: alcohol is designed to be addictive but not all people are addicted to alcohol even if they consume it. The danger is always there, especially if you fall down on your luck and start to self medicate. The same is true for games. You can fall into a bad state and use them to cope due to your lack of progress or quality of life in the real world. I also think no one that has immediate goals has any business playing games but it just results in brain hijack and procrastination. Better to use them as a reward for completing tasks rather than using them to wind down inherently.
Either way, video games are interesting to study on how they affect the brain and ones aptitude.
The other day after playing REmake was my first time playing a video game since March with Tomb Raider IV, so playing a video game after quite some time was the equivalent of a coffee user no longer consuming coffee or caffeine cold turkey for a few months and then down a cup. Of course it's going to affect you in a big way. Interesting how I was able to sense the changes after partaking in vidya for so long.
Once you're aware of what video games can do to the brain it becomes easier to control it. That said, you must be cognizant of it.
I definitely think video games can be addictive and hijack the brains chemistry so I definitely find them to be potentially dangerous, especially in younger brains and those that aren't aware of the effects. But I think with controlled effort you can manipulate the impulses to how you want them. Alcohol is a very good comparison: alcohol is designed to be addictive but not all people are addicted to alcohol even if they consume it. The danger is always there, especially if you fall down on your luck and start to self medicate. The same is true for games. You can fall into a bad state and use them to cope due to your lack of progress or quality of life in the real world. I also think no one that has immediate goals has any business playing games but it just results in brain hijack and procrastination. Better to use them as a reward for completing tasks rather than using them to wind down inherently.
Either way, video games are interesting to study on how they affect the brain and ones aptitude.
The other day after playing REmake was my first time playing a video game since March with Tomb Raider IV, so playing a video game after quite some time was the equivalent of a coffee user no longer consuming coffee or caffeine cold turkey for a few months and then down a cup. Of course it's going to affect you in a big way. Interesting how I was able to sense the changes after partaking in vidya for so long.
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March Climber
Gold Member
You bumped the thread to let us know that you've learned to take things in moderation, which is something many people in this thread suggested on the first few pages, to do in life with anything that provides entertainment or a dopamine hit.
There's a lot I could negatively say about the legitimacy of your thread, but instead I will simply congratulate you on reaching the epiphany when you did and I hope you continue to enjoy life in moderation.