Are video games frivolous spending?

Post by **ZereoX** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 2:32 pm

I think they could be serious in a certain point. People fix goals, Guinesse World Record of Video Games for Example other people play for a living, CS:S Clans or other multiple game clans. I for example, collect games, useless but self-satisfying. Everyone has there own opinion.

Post by **Metalcrack** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 3:34 pm

Video games are a hobby or a source of interactive entertainment. Has this person ever bought a movie, watched TV or read a book or magazine? Yes, so in essence, they have "wasted" time as well. I understand the argument is they learned something from the reading or watching the news, which cannot be argued, but any type of fiction reading is in the same category as games. One is no better than the other, just based on personal preference.

Post by **pompeyparsons** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 10:14 am

itsamemario wrote:to me frivolous spending is buying something when you don't even have money for:

- food
- shelter (including utilities like electricity & water)
- health care
- savings for retirement
- the above for people that depend on you for survival (wife/kids/parents)

That is the perfect answer to me. I'm a frugal person in that I try to live way below my means. I don't drink, smoke, do drugs, watch cable television etc. I'm able to do a number of things I enjoy for free such as exercise (Jogging/Walking, NordicTrak which my grandfather gave me.), reading (I get my books from the library.) The only thing I tend to spend money on is games and experiences with the people I love. To me spending money on games is not frivolous in the least. I budget a certain amount of money each month in order to purchase games I'd like to get. Games are something that I find pleasure in both playing and collecting and have learned many lessons because of them.

The Camaraderie video games build amongst friends can be second to none.

There's an excellent book out there that I've recently read that would tear your friends argument of video games being frivolous apart.

It's entitled "Everything Bad is Good for You" by Stephen Johnson. It's going for $5.99 on amazon or even better see if your local library has it.

Post by **xraydash** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:24 pm

pompeyparsons wrote:There's an excellent book out there that I've recently read that would tear your friends argument of video games being frivolous apart.

It's entitled "Everything Bad is Good for You" by Stephen Johnson. It's going for $5.99 on amazon or even better see if your local library has it.

Fantastic book! I'll second that recommendation. Johnson has a refreshing take on how video games are actually intellectually demanding and involve a host of higher order, critical thinking skills.

Another good one with a similar theme, but aimed more toward parents and educators, is Don't Bother Me Mom- I'm Learning! by Marc Prensky.