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A link between video games and unemployment

economist.com

131–140 of 177 posts

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#131
post #85

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If you read the paper it doesn't say that in the conclusions.

The second to last paragraph suggests it is a possibility though: "To draw a firm conclusion, however, would take a clearer understanding of the direction of causation. While games improved since the turn of the century, labour-market options for young people got worse. Hourly wages, adjusted for inflation, have stagnated for young college graduates since the 1990s, while pay for new high-school graduates has decline…

I said the paper, not the article in the economist. It is funny the article it is based on a paper which draws different conclusions.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#132

There's worse forms of escapism that are far less stimulating. Alcohol or drugs, for example. It's nice we live in an age where there's engaging entertainment like video games instead of just more passive entertainment like TV.

Please, games are far more addictive. Stimulating? Depends on what you play. MMO's can be worse than heroin.

>MMO's can be worse than heroin.

Is there a study for this to show us what it measures?

It's pretty difficult to overdose on MMOs or get a super-high dose fentanyl batch. I'm not sure how you get worse than death.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If your goal is to start reading more often, stop reading so many books you think you ought to read and read more books you want to read. Variety and challenging yourself are good but sometimes you can get carried away and just make yourself not want to read anything.

This is very true. I am usually not the best reader but I recently picked up an excellent fantasy novel and couldn't put it down and ended up reading like 4 or 5 hours straight. On the flip side when I read nonfiction or textbooks it's hard to push myself to keep learning.

Read better non-fiction, then?

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#134

Why is this piece all about jobs? Where's the family aspect? The hours playing games that could have been spent socializing, courting, going to a bar, having sex? Those things are even more important than working hard at a career. Sorry but this does sound very American to me. You have a very work focused culture, it's where esteem is earned it seems. I think that is also a bit troubling. In the end it is very simply…

Depends on who you ask. Some people tend to work harder on their careers than their social life. Might benefit them more even if it looks different to you. In my opinion there is not much difference (in regards to being social) between me going to the bar with my friends or joining a voice server to play games with my friends.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#135
post #129

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> You are mindful and react on direct stimulus - while gaming, you do not think on future or past, you are immersed in your actual activity - it IS mindfulness. I disagree. Reacting is the polar opposite of what mindfulness is about. Mindfulness is about, among other things, responding appropriately to what is happening, not reacting . What you're describing, the state people get in when playing computer games, is a…

It's true that games require player agency and thus by definition are active. However, your characterization of games using terms as "hyper", "acute" and "battle" is rather limited and outdated. Games that underplay or avoid challenge and focus on exploration, immersion or rhythm, can offer a state of mind and activity as conducive to mindfulness as walking or swimming.

What are some games that best exemplify a focus on exploration, immersion or rhythm?

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#136

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it's hard to beat books for economical. But certainly games are in reach.

Are they really? I've never spent more than a few days on a book, but I've certainly spent well over 300 hours on some video games. I love reading, but to me books seem quite expensive as an entertainment medium in comparison with computer games.

...until you realize that we still have this old-fashioned institutions called libraries.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#137
post #75

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That's the exact opposite actually. Nit saying it's a bad thing though. But it's important to understand that screens are taking your attention away. You are not in the moment at all.

I don't agree. As I understand these things: You are mindful and react on direct stimulus - while gaming, you do not think on future or past, you are immersed in your actual activity - it IS mindfulness. BUT it does not improve mindfulness - it is easy to be mindful at interesting times - that's normal, but not so when nothing interesting is around, and you are just left alone with your own thoughts or problems. That…

> you are immersed in your actual activity - it IS mindfulness

No it's not - it's called "flow", a state where you lose your reflective self-consciousness (i.e. the core of mindfulness).

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#138

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think it's hard to beat books for economical. But certainly games are in reach.

I really wish books could hold my attention like video games. I would read a lot more.

If you expect books to grab your attention away from games--not happening. Instead, make a resolution to stop gaming and stick to it. You'll have plenty of time for reading and other activities.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#139
post #133

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This is very true. I am usually not the best reader but I recently picked up an excellent fantasy novel and couldn't put it down and ended up reading like 4 or 5 hours straight. On the flip side when I read nonfiction or textbooks it's hard to push myself to keep learning.

Read better non-fiction, then?

In particular, read something that has nothing to do with your job once in a while.

Re: A link between video games and unemployment

#140
post #136

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Are they really? I've never spent more than a few days on a book, but I've certainly spent well over 300 hours on some video games. I love reading, but to me books seem quite expensive as an entertainment medium in comparison with computer games.

...until you realize that we still have this old-fashioned institutions called libraries .

Uber for books, except you don't have to pay.
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