Thing 15

I just read the "8 myths about video games debunked" that's on the PBS website. Hmm, not what I've read about gaming & violence in the past. I think that the verdict is still out on how much, if at all, gaming encourages violence. I personally don't like violent movies, TV show, etc. As I've gotten older I like it less & less. I have avoided some of the most popular movies in the last few years because I don't want to watch that high a level of blood & guts. Even after reading the PBS site I feel that violence has desensitized our society & has led people to devalue others. I know not all games are violent, but a number of them are.



I think I'm on the wrong side of the tech divide on gaming because I have zero interest in it right now. I do know that more senior citizens are starting gaming & things like virtual bowling are becoming popular. And I have friends (my age) who enjoy the games that encourage thinking skills. Maybe there's hope for me yet. I know that the kids & teens who use our public access computers at the library play games all the time. We allow them to do it but everyone is limited to 1 hr. per day so there aren't any game hogs on the public computers.



I did participate in a game on the Web lately. My grand niece introduced me to Webkinzs & showed my how she was creating a world for her "creatures". She is having a blast on the website & she can't even read yet! It was humbling for me & a thrill for her. This company has found a very profitable way to appeal to kids natural interest in games.