Video Games

During these quarantine times, I started playing more video games with my boyfriend. Now I’ve always been a Nintendo kind of girl. I grew up playing Mario Party as well as a small variety of Wii games such as Game Party, Wii bowling, etc. I’ve never considered myself a big gamer. I would play games during my winter breaks from school to pass the time. Or when my friends came over and we wanted to do something different.

I decided that now would be a good time to go over the advantages/disadvantages of playing video games. Now since I’m not a huge gamer-I got some information from my boyfriend Erich who plays video games on a regular basis. Let’s begin:

Advantage

Entertainment

Of course, video games are great entertainment during these quarantine times. They are also good for a rainy day. They are a good way to pass the time besides watching Netflix all day. At least playing video games is more interactive than just watching something. 

Disadvantage 

Time Stealer

When playing video games, you can get roped into a game for hours. You just keep telling yourself-one more try and I’ll complete this level or just 10 more minutes. You could start playing a game and not realize that you just spent 2 hours playing it. Video games can be a time stealer. Which is fine when you have nothing else to do that day. But if you are supposed to be working out or cleaning and you aren’t because of the video games, that isn’t good. You shouldn’t be slacking on your goals just because of video games. 

Advantage

Connecting with Friends

As much as video games can be isolating at times-they can also be social in a way. Most consoles such as Playstation 4 and Xbox One allow you to have a party. This means that you play a game with friends-who aren’t in the same place as you. You can communicate with those friends over a headset. This is great for friends that live far from each other. Maybe your friend lives in California and you live in New York. Playing games with them and talking through the headset can be a great way to catch up with them. You are entertained and being social with them at the same time.

Disadvantage

No Outdoors

The problem with video games is that most consoles are for inside use only. Of course there are exceptions such as the Nintendo Switch but for the most part, consoles are for indoor use. So say you play a game from 12-6 on a Saturday. On a nice day, this is time that you could have spent outside with friends. You could have played basketball, went to the park, or went skateboarding. You could have enjoyed fresh air and made memories with friends and family instead of sitting home and staring at a screen. 

Advantage

Strategic Thinking

Some games involve strategic thinking. They make you use your mind more than just watching a movie will. Some video games have puzzles or riddles for you to solve. These games make you think and also help you learn to prioritize. I know a lot of games have specific tasks that you are required to do. But sometimes, it’s up to you to decide what order you will accomplish those tasks in. In a strange way- a lot of video games teach you about setting goals as well. There is typically a main objective that needs to be completed overall-with smaller tasks in between.  

Disadvantage

Addiction

With any good thing, too much can mean that you have a problem. It’s one thing to play video games after work or on the weekends. But if you find yourself cancelling plans with friends and family in order to play games-it may be time to turn off the console. Also, if you find yourself using video games as an excuse to avoid responsibilities, you may have a problem.

Anyway, I hope this was entertaining for all of you during these tough quarantine times. I hope everyone is staying home and washing their hands. Let me know your favorite video game in the comments below!