Growing Up Gamer

Wait for it ... wait for it. Duck! Bang! Bang! Yes, hit. Eeeee crackle crash boom. Oh man! Eject. Blow. Insert. Play. This is a pretty typical experience with the original NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). NES was a huge break through, and although it collected dust and dirt easily causing the user to have to blow continually on the cartridge, we still loved it. Living in a house with two brothers and three sisters you wouldn't think that video games would be so entertaining to all of us. Sometimes my sister and I played video games more than my brothers. NES finally reached a point where it still worked but for no longer than a few minutes which became quite frustrating. That's when I moved to computer games (but played both once a PS2 was purchased). My brother had bought a computer and put all the old Nintendo games on it. Of course, in a year the computer was outdated and he bought a new one, thereby giving his old one to everyone.
    My sister and I, now no longer having the pleasure of NES, could play these video games on the computer. We were determined to beat Donkey Kong Jr if it was the last thing we ever did. Video and computer games ended up becoming a bonding time for all of us. Some played on an individual level others in a group. Computers with different games were plentiful in my house. We had just one when we were young that had Block Out and Carmen San Diego. Then as my brother bought computers and they became outdated we expanded our collection.
    Once the internet came into play so did online games. It wasn't until most of us moved out and went to college that online games became big for all of us. It started on an individual level playing games on Disney.com and moved to playing games with the siblings on MSN Messenger. Once Facebook and the application games came around it was all about finding a cool new application that all the siblings could play and compete at. This was anything from Mob Wars to Farmville; you name it we have likely played it.
    For my siblings and me the digital realm was a positive influence for the most part. It became something that we could all participate in. This was not just limited to games but that’s how it started. We have a book club online, a Facebook group, and constantly text. Many argue that the increase in technology has lead to a decrease in social skills, which I would agree with. People hardly talk on the phone anymore when they could just text. This could be because they wanted to just say a quick thought and not have a long conversation. Also, it could relate to that texting gives you a buffer in that you don't have to be embarrassed to call or be put on the spot, you can meditate your answer then send. The same is with chatting and IM.
     I would say then that there are many people where technology has ruined their social skills but not everyone. Although sometimes my family and I will IM or text each other when we are in the same house or in the same room it’s more because of our sense of humor. We could just talk to the person sitting across from us but for some reason it’s more funny to text them something ridiculous and watch their reaction. Aside from this we are still about to communicate well face to face with no computers, cell phones, or internet.
    This leads to the question why do many online gamers seem to lack in social skills? I would say that many times it has to do with the fact that they aren't actually interacting with anyone. Aside from chill LAN parties they are communicating with other gamers through their game characters, likely these people have never met and are just playing the same game in the same place. Their low social lives are due to the fact that they are lacking human interaction, they are only concerned about their computer and their game. This is their world, their life.
    Everyone is affected by the digital world but how much it effects you is related to how active you are in it. If used in moderation you can still retain the social attributes necessary to function in society. It is when you get sucked in and the game becomes your life where it can cause problems, minimal or severe. Awareness is simple and key. Note that if you start dreaming about being in the current game you are playing, you might want to take a break. Lack of social interaction is not solely determined by digital interaction, but there is an effect. Whether that is good or bad is up for each of us to individually decide.