General Discussion

The older brother of my daughter's best friend is also a video gamer and is working on his doctorate at UW Madison.

I do agree with your sentiments in general about people who spend a significant chunk of their free time on any activity (whether it is watching sports, chatting/posting on the internet, binging Netflix, or playing video games). I don't think video games per se are a problem. I have never been interested in them after I hit my 20s, but I can see the attraction for some people who have high stress jobs. I personally binge watch shows while rowing which is my stress reliever. I could visualize in the future as technology advances actual hand weapon type games with simulated swords and what not with EM resistance that would allow for a good work out while playing the game. Safer than beating on someone else with weapons.

I agree with you about reality television. You lose brain cells by merely being in the room when they are on. When my wife turns them or soaps on, my first reaction is to run from the living room.