Comments on: Why scientists should stop researching video games

Yet another piece of research has emerged suggesting that video games limit your chance of having a good relationship. Enough, already.

[Magallanes]

I agree with you and i wish to add
a ) companies, universities or organization agreed with such lame studies, and even giving funds to it.
b ) the lack of imagination of those scientist. Their inspiration came from their reduced world :computer, games, lab and nothing else much.

[sting7k]

Video games are not anti-social anymore. Video games are the only way I get to stay in touch with some 20+ of my friend's I grew up with and from college. We play 3-4 nights a week for 2-3 hours. During that time we chat and catch up with what's been going on in our lives and it's almost like we are back at school sitting on the couch right next to each other.

1. We all have full time jobs.
2. We are all responsible members of society.
3. We all have lives, some have wives already.

Video games haven't ruined us yet. In fact they have saved friendships because now I get to TALK to my friend's who live hundreds miles away instead of reading messages on facebook or internet chats we all get to partake in something we all enjoy a few nights a week before bed. If it wasn't for video games my life would be much worse.

[vinnie1023]

Yeah, if anything, online gaming has become a new way for men to "get together" and bond if other stereotypically macho events like hunting or sports aren't our bag. Let's face it--dudes can be pretty socially inept, and this is an emerging way for us to overcome that to some extent and keep in touch with old friends.

[Kesteral]

I might have agreed with you two years ago... but two years ago, I found myself screaming at my two month old son because he was crying while I was gaming. This caused me to take a good look at myself, and I found that my marriage and other real world relationships were all suffering because I allowed myself to vent frustrations from a stupid game on other people.
I'm curious if Mr. Matyszczyk actually read the study or just echoed what other people were saying about the study. If so, don't be so quick to reject the findings of this study. It is very, very easy to get involved in gaming to the point of excluding everything else, and addiction to gaming is a very real problem in the world today.
I don't play computer games anymore, and I've found myself to be a much happier and productive person since I've quit.

[Throgged]

The saying "everything in moderation" comes to mind. Yes there is the other side of the spectrum where people get addicted to games where it DOES affect their relationships, but what is the percentage of that? Probably minuscule compared to what they're (scientists) are toting it to be. In your case scaling down to 0% is what made you a better person. Kudos to your for realizing that and bettering your life. For some of us though, gaming is how we unwind (I'm generalizing a bit but I'm sure plenty will agree with me) I put X amount of hours to ME time and everybody is happy, some drink to unwind, some seek the comfort of recreational drugs, some beat their significant others into a weekly submission, HEY whatever works for you. i will also echo the remarks sting's remarks. Gaming is how i stay in touch with some of my friends in different states.

[ghostofitpast]

With your reputation for your "irreverent, sarcastic, and sometimes ironic voice," you seem to have overlooked the fundamental precept of Sturgeon's Law:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturgeon%27s_law

In this context 90% of all studies in social theory (and practice) can be dismissed as having low (if any) worth. The same rule applies to the publication of scientific and technical results (as any conference-goer will affirm). It is still amusing to see an opponent of the followers of Ned Lud; but, for the file of me, I cannot figure out how to tack the "ite" suffix onto the name "Matyszczyk!"

[myles taylor]

The problem with these studies is they fail to prove cause and effect. They find two symptoms and then attribute them to each other. Maybe people who smoke pot play more video games; it doesn't mean that playing video games makes you more likely to smoke pot. They haven't proven that these two things are linked at all. What if they eat more junk food? Does this mean that playing video games makes you eat more junk food? The underlining cause is what they are missing.

[Wak_Em]

...those pinhead "scientists" forgot to mention the positive affect of gaming on the economy starting with the pizza and Chinese food industry. If we start scaling back on gaming, these providers of gaming friendly fare will be laying off workers and affecting the entire economy. Less gasoline bought, less tire ware, less liability insurance premiums. Less delivery drivers. The suppliers will not be delivering ingredients, laying off truck drivers. Utilities will provide less power as a result of lower demand as a result of everyone going to bed before 9 pm. Fewer cars being sold because of less ware and tear on the delivery vehicles. Get the idea? Gaming is the engine of our economy. Those pencil-necks hate America.