Abel Nelson
Sep 9, 2018 · 2 min read

The problem that I have with this is that video games are essentially addictive. Not addictive to the same degree or in the same way as drugs, but addictive nonetheless. They’re pure fun, entertainment in electronic form, and they can easily be mishandled. Speaking for myself, there were many times in my life where I had to study or do some work and I ended up playing video games instead. Maybe I just wanted to get away from the work, and video games served as an escape, but there are much better things to procrastinate with. Imagine wasting time with a book, or a piece of paper and a pencil. At least then I would have learned something new or developed a skill a little further.

You also mention prior panics around Minecraft and Pokemon GO, and say that the current craze around Fortnite is no different. I don’t think that these crazes are things that we should be getting swept up in. I understand that they are inevitable, but that does not mean they are desirable. When kids get swept up in rush after rush, it sets a bad standard. The Fortnite craze will collapse, just as all crazes have, and a new craze will rise in its place. Is it okay if children become swept up in the new craze as well? Shouldn’t we be trying to avoid this cycle of social manias, instead of partaking in it or encouraging it?

You made some very good points at the end of your article. At this point, screen time is inescapable, so trying to avoid it entirely is a mistake. As such, our best option is teaching our kids how to live with screens. I don’t think that video games are truly bad and must be treated like the plague, any more than I think potato chips are bad. They’re both alright, as long as they aren’t overused. But, we must be be very careful about when they are used.

    Abel Nelson

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