Computer and Video Game Players: 5 Things That You Should Know About Them

1. Computer and video game players don't become violent people.

So you think that years of playing Counter-Strike, Special Force , Frozen Throne , World of Warcraft and other MMORPG's will make them trigger-happy individuals who want nothing more than the destruction of their enemies ? I often hear people say that thugs and criminals become who they are because they grew up in a culture of violent computer and video games. They say that distorted and often bloody themes of video games largely influence those who play it. I totally refute that belief. We have had over a hundred of computer and video game players over the years who started out playing computer games as early as four years old. They have now grown and not once did I hear anybody of them having a brush with the law. Mind you, some have become professionals; some are now working abroad and have decent jobs. Some of them may have graduated in college but they still come back and play these MMORPG's with their buddies who also grew up them.

There are factors that make an individual violent. I think what influence them more are their home situation, economic status and the environment where they were raised. I don't speak of as a psychologist but of someone who has been in the computer and video rental business for more than 10 years and counting.

2. Computer and video game players are serious in their studies-majority of them, that is

Contrary to what people think, video and computer game players are conscious of their schooling. It is very seldom that nine to 16-year old students cut class and go to an internet or computer shop to spend their time playing virtual games. Lest you start cutting my throat, let me clarify; of course there are really those who spend their time playing virtual games instead of going to school. But they are still in the minority compared to those who are seriously studying. You know the old saying that all work and no play makes a boy dull? This also applies to them. What I'm trying to say is that, they play computer and video games to distract their minds off their, well, sometimes boring lessons. Besides, they don't just come to shops to play but half of the time, they are making their assignments or are researching. This is especially true if they have no computers at home. As a proof, many of our computer and video players have graduated in college and have become nurses, engineers, office employees and others who have blue- and white- collar jobs. Some have gained employment abroad.

3. They are still fascinated by outdoor games- and always will be.

I know most of you picture video and computer game players as couch potatoes who would sit in front of the computer/console the whole day through. In truth, there are only one or two certified couch potatoes but eight out of ten virtual gamers are excited to suit and roll up their sleeves to join a basketball game. I observe this especially if there is an on-going sports league in their subdivisions or villages. They would excitedly talk and plan who their teammates and coach will be. They would plan the design of their team's uniform- even designing them in the computer that they are playing. The fact is, once they are invited to play outdoors by another team or group, they would give up their virtual games and go outside to play the real stuff.

4. Girls can also be as addicted to computer games as the boys.

Although the male species still outnumber the female ones, when it comes to the fervor, the girls show the same burning desire to level up to their virtual games. Some girls even form their own all-girls team for MMORPG competitions. But nowadays, social networking sites occupy more of the ladies' time. But there are still many who prefer computer and video gaming. And remember, there are also games in the networking sites, so it is like hitting two birds with one stone for the female gamers.

5. They develop their social skills and build a network of friends though virtual gaming.

Many people imagine computer and video game players as geeks who do not know an ounce about social graces. They are typecast as the shy, introvert types who are unattractive to the opposite sex. They may be good but socially awkward. Again, I would like to contradict that view. Many times, I will hear them laughing and joking around. They get to share ideas about the game they are playing. They help fellow players who struggle with his leveling up. Problems about family, love life, friends and life in general are also shared. Outside the computer or internet shops, they are just like any other normal children and teenagers who play around, go to movies and interact with their peers. Some are even leaders of a clique or school student organization.

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In conclusion, let us not judge computer and video game players as carefree individuals who like nothing but sit in front of their virtual games all day. For parents, you have the power to set limits to their gaming habits. You have to look for ways on how you can persuade your children to do activities that are as engaging as their virtual games. And to the players, you should not let your computer and video game playing overtake your life. Moderation is the magic word, so to speak. One more thing, do some exercise because sitting for long hours will do you no good.

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