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Ya'll, I can't even. A #gamestudies rant:
What is this image searing in to your soul you ask? An article was posted today about the future of gamers now that people are quarantined and playing more games. https://www.mirror.co.uk/tech/terrifying-model-show-what-avid-21820221
This image is "what avid gamers could look like in just 20 years if they don't change their habits"
First off, this assumes that we are playing more games (to stay socially connected and because #StayHomeSaveLives) we will maintain this level of gaming for 20 years?
First off, this assumes that we are playing more games (to stay socially connected and because #StayHomeSaveLives) we will maintain this level of gaming for 20 years?
...I'm hoping to just maintain this level of gaming through the release of the FF7 remake.
The researchers explained: “The visualisation shows that Michael has pale and pasty skin from years of being in artificial light and the result of lack of Vitamin D and B-12. He has stress-related eczema across his legs and arms and a permanently bent back from poor posture.”
Stress-related eczema? Games are actually great stress relievers. https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/takeaway/segments/covid19-online-games-animal-crossing-new-horizons
Now bad posture over time can definitely lead to long-term problems (ping @GamerDoc_) but if he is going to be gaming for 20 years and never coming up for air, or food, or sun I would hope he'd invest in a good gaming chair to help with that.
I gotta be honest, the projection is this article pretty grim. And yes, I know it is @DailyMirror but people read this stuff. THIS perpetuates stereotypes and contributes to the never ending moral panic about #videogames.
It draws on a kernel of truth (maybe in this case, Nintendoitis) and that's all it needs to stick. This is bad, lazy reporting that ignores the fact that gamers also see the sunlight and.. ya know.. take their headphones off from time to time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_thumb
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_thumb
Here's some science to remind you that the stereotype of gamers is unfounded
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24053382
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24053382
Also, this white, male, prototype of a gamer is #yawn. Gamers are diverse (and half women). https://www.theesa.com/esa-research/2019-essential-facts-about-the-computer-and-video-game-industry/
Also, I know that anecdotal cases aren't the best way to prove a point, but I've been gaming for 30+ years and I my hair is still there, may hands are definitely in better shape than that picture, and I'm sure the dark circles under my eyes are from my two toddlers. /rantover
