Does Playing Video Games Affect Your Life?

Poll/topic.

Yes, it's my anti-drug.

I like cheese.

Yes, positively. I'm pretty sure I make decisions faster, and can learn patterns better, than I would have without.

James

I can play Tetris against people on the internet while I take a shit. If that's not improving my life, I don't know what is.

This thread is silly. We're a board of videogame enthusiasts; of course games have significantly affected all of our lives. Whether positively or negatively... that's entirely subjective. You could say one and your parents/"bff"/significant other/whatever could say the other.

Well the idea is to discuss it instead of bringing out that cynical TNL "nerd by day, condescending douchebag by night" attitude.

Seriously, I'd murder people without this kind of outlet.

Actually thats not true, I'd find a more constructive use of my time, like feeding the homeless and getting to know them as human beings rather than as faceless leeches of society.

positively.

When i was younger i was always getting into fights. I didn't have a constructive outlet for my young negroid aggression. Than i got Super Mario Bros. My temperment went way down and i mellowed out. Over time i became the extremely laid back person that i am. To quote my buddy "if i you were any more laid back you'd fall over."
I also give credit to games and good parenting helping me stay away from gangs. And in the 90's in South Central, that was a blessing.


JBNagis

Gaming wasn't anything bad up to the point I snapped and walked out on my job, now I just sit home playing guild wars.