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It is frightening, but I wonder about the previous generations. A hundred years ago, how did an individual self-medicate their problems? Was there more crime, s

It is frightening, but I wonder about the previous generations. A hundred years ago, how did an individual self-medicate their problems? Was there more crime, suicide, etc. as a result? People don't usually "change" all that much from generation to generation, and I don't want to get into some trap of thinking about "golden days" or any of that nonsense; people have always been fitful and worried, depressive even. How did they cope? I look at people in my parent's generation who have no hobbies, no outlets, nothing... They are bored individuals who watch the news and maybe do some gardening. I would love to breach the age gap and introduce a great uncle to a video game, or my great grandmother to scrabble online. I feel like the last generation that will ever go lonely unless by decision, and I owe it in part to these fantastical video games.

deleted 12y ago
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xanderstrike 12y ago
This is something I've been thinking about as well. Whenever I meet someone who doesn't play videogames, I ask them what they do in their spare time (because it's an idea I can't comprehend). It's always "watch tv" or "facebook" or "reddit" or something equally mundane. I'd rather be engaging my brain, thinking spatially, and solving interesting problems.
- pault 12y ago
  I used to be a heavy gamer, now I spend my spare time doing research and working on side projects that will make me a better developer. I now find this infinitely more rewarding than video games. At a certain age the entertainment value of the games was ruined by mortal terror at the rapid increase in the rate of my birthdays. :)
  - maccard 12y ago
    Do you not feel that workin on side projects all the time wears you down? I haven't had one for about 5 months now, I've been working so hard on other stuff, that I need something like LoL, WoW, or battlefield to take my mind off things on the evenings.
User8712 12y ago
I'm curious to see what happens as our age group gets older. Right now few focus on developing applications, games or social networks for elderly individuals, since there isn't a big audience. As we age, I think we'll see a lot more technology designed to helping the elderly, and hopefully it'll allow them to stay more mentally stimulated, less lonely, and provide ways for them to further contribute so society online.
pharrington 12y ago
Well clearly people haven't changed, but the activities available to us have. Instant and repetitive positive feedback is trivially available. It's tons easier to accelerate one's progress through any particular path.
saraid216 12y ago
Games have always been devices for both socialization and addiction. It's not a variable that meaningfully changes.

deleted 12y ago

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xanderstrike 12y ago

This is something I've been thinking about as well. Whenever I meet someone who doesn't play videogames, I ask them what they do in their spare time (because it's an idea I can't comprehend). It's always "watch tv" or "facebook" or "reddit" or something equally mundane. I'd rather be engaging my brain, thinking spatially, and solving interesting problems.

pault 12y ago
I used to be a heavy gamer, now I spend my spare time doing research and working on side projects that will make me a better developer. I now find this infinitely more rewarding than video games. At a certain age the entertainment value of the games was ruined by mortal terror at the rapid increase in the rate of my birthdays. :)
- maccard 12y ago
  Do you not feel that workin on side projects all the time wears you down? I haven't had one for about 5 months now, I've been working so hard on other stuff, that I need something like LoL, WoW, or battlefield to take my mind off things on the evenings.

User8712 12y ago

I'm curious to see what happens as our age group gets older. Right now few focus on developing applications, games or social networks for elderly individuals, since there isn't a big audience. As we age, I think we'll see a lot more technology designed to helping the elderly, and hopefully it'll allow them to stay more mentally stimulated, less lonely, and provide ways for them to further contribute so society online.

pharrington 12y ago

Well clearly people haven't changed, but the activities available to us have. Instant and repetitive positive feedback is trivially available. It's tons easier to accelerate one's progress through any particular path.

saraid216 12y ago

Games have always been devices for both socialization and addiction. It's not a variable that meaningfully changes.