Computers a waste of time?

[Rowan]

I'm becoming very irritated with people who think being on the computer/internet/gaming/modding is a waste of time or somehow harmful. My grandparents are two such people. But I guess I can't blame them too much. They have very little experience with computers, and get all their information from other media. They watch TV waaay more than I do (which I think is harmful and a waste of time). But they're always nagging me about being on my computer. Little do they know there is such a vast world in that little screen full of opportunties to experience the fantastic, meet people, and to develop many varied skills (it can be an excellent exercise for the mind and creativity) not to mention the possibility of thousands of people enjoying and admiring your work.

I do admit I am slightly addicted to it. But I try to balance it as much as possible with plenty of exercise, school, jobs etc... But I probably could be a little more disciplined. Only getting on late in the day, for a two or three hours max. That would probably be more healthy.

What is your opinion?

Edit: woops I misspelled computers!

[_echo]

I agree, it annoys me when people equate spending time on a computer to watching TV, when they are so blatantly different. Depending on what your doing, be it surfing the internet, playing a game, or creating something, you are using your brain, which is leagues more then can be said for those watching TV. A while ago I read an article that said watching TV was as close to death you can get while still being alive. Your brain goes limp, so to speak, and there is little going on inside your head.

[Rowan]

Yeah, TV is a mind and body killer... I generally only watch good movies and TV shows without commercials.

The computer is still just a hobby - so you can't allow it to take over your life (2-3 hours a day is probably a healthy amount of time in my opinion). After all we aren't making money, and the connections you make with people aren't usually like the ones made face to face. It's important to get out into the real world to expand yourself and your opportunities. This is mainly done through connections with real people. But I guess if your job is computer or internet based, it's justifiable to spend more time in that environment... I don't know. As long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing at that moment and not neglecting responsibilities elsewhere, it's fine.

[Critterman]

My parents get mad at me that I'm on the computer a lot. They don't realize that modding (well scripting to be specific) engages my brain more than most of my classes at school. They say I need a hobby, but modding is my hobby . They also say it isn't productive, but I have to argue that when I mod, I am creating entertainment for other people to experience. I consider it a form of art, one that is not respected enough today...

It is just one of those things about technology I guess: the older generation just refuses to accept it and the newer generation will eventually make it common place. One day we will be complaining about how some new technology is destroying society just like the older people of today are, thus is just the circle of life.

I understand that it isn't exactly healthy, but so isn't toiling over homework for 3 hours (which my parents insist on me doing ). I get out enough I think, and it isn't like the computer crushes my social life, in fact I think it improves it considering the number of friends I have met online.

So yeah... my

[Jheuloh]

My mother and I have both come to agree that watching TV all day is worse for you than using a computer all day is, seeing that when watching TV, you're not only doing nothing physically, you're also doing nothing mentally. At least with a computer, your mind is engaged & used.

[Maxwell the Fool]

I agree 100% with critterman.

[Rowan]

Yes. Well typed.

[WillieSea]

Hey, I am the older generation!

For the grandparents who watch a lot of TV, you could always say, "And your parents thought watching TV was a waste of time".

[washington]

Find out what they like...

Create that in mod.

Or create them like NPCs, or their friends, favourite bar or something with some funny dialogue.

Ask them to try it, they will be surprised and maybe they won't nag you that much.

But also, realise that they are partially right. We have to practice some physical activity - run, gym, bicycle, swimming or something and socialise with friends face to face not over facebook or some other electronical means.

And play some sports football, basketball, whatever requires a team just for recreation.

[_echo]

I think my face to face socialization is just fine. One of the perks of having moved out and live with friends.

[Rowan]

For the grandparents who watch a lot of TV, you could always say, "And your parents thought watching TV was a waste of time".

LOL! very true I'm sure.

[Critterman]

Hey, I am the older generation!

There are always exceptions to the rule

For the grandparents who watch a lot of TV, you could always say, "And your parents thought watching TV was a waste of time".

I still think it's a waste of time

[washington]

I think my face to face socialization is just fine. One of the perks of having moved out and live with friends.

I was speaking generally... I have realised that I don't go out as I used to, and partially it's because of computer.

[Glaedr]

my dad frowns on me being on the computer so much (practically all day), but he has seemed to accept it. He's decided though that he's going to make a use out of me while im on here though, and get me to learn how to ebay things.

Its funny actually, he objects to me playing xbox more than he does to me being on the computer. Dont really understand that, cuz you use your mind gaming just as much as you do while you're on the computer. More even if you dont mod like me. I play GoW2 alot, and im constantly deciding whether or not i should use my shotgun, to grab the mortars, will i get sniped if i grab them, is the sniper rifle still at its spawn point, how many enemies are left, etc.

the same things are done on computer games, like Oblivion. Should i explore this cave? What weapons should i take with me? what should my major skills be? you get the picture.

I guess in the end i did all this ranting to agree w/ Critter. the older generation for the most part refuses to accept new tech. If they'd try it, im sure they'd like it.

[HeyYou]

I spend quite a bit of time on the computer. It basically IS my socialization. (I am 49) My GF doesn't particularly care for it, thinks I spend too much time on here, but, she is not gamer by any stretch of the imagination.

I have an excuse though.

[Glaedr]

and whats your excuse?

[HeyYou]

and whats your excuse?

I have Multiple Sclerosis. So, my body does not always cooperate with my brain. My coordination/balance are rather bad, and my entire right side doesn't work the way I would like it to. Walking is sometimes interesting, running is out of the question, as is heavy lifting/activity. I am just screwed up.

Been dealing with it for about five years now though, so, I am getting 'used to it'.... Doesn't mean I like it...... I would MUCH rather have to get up and go to work every day.