When you react to reality as if it was a computer game it can save your life, according to New Scientist.
I've often thought that the old point-and-click adventure games taught me to be methodical; not to give up; and to believe that problems are solvable (if not always by me). But the single most important thing I've taken away from computer games is to respond to setbacks with "that's interesting". When something doesn't go as I expect, that's useful information. I think that's probably how scientists are supposed to react, too!
What's the most important lesson that computer games have taught you?
15 COMMENTS:
To save the game regularly! I do agree; I'm currently having much fun replaying a Broken Sword game. Ah, memories.
Siomon, oh crumbs yes! Now I use Dropbox for my writing and it backs up automatically. If only the old games had done that!
Erm... the most I do is erm... minesweeper. I've learned that I'm useless with the intermediate one but ok at the easy level!
Happy New Year!!
Take care
x
1)If you blow the other guy's head off, it will grow back.
2) Humans are more attractive and funnier when made of legos.
3) Wolves eat you, foxes run away.
If you play often enough, winning or losing one game won't change your overall success percentage much.
I think it's the lack of risk as in winning or losing (or blowing off that guy's head) won't affect my life. It can affect my emotions just not the same way as "real" life consequences. So if we are not risk-averse in real life, we might do better?
I think that's probably how scientists are supposed to react, too!
Oh, totally! When physicists find evidence of unknown physics, they immediately get super-excited. Understanding stuff is cool, but not understanding stuff is better because it means you have a juicy problem to solve.
What have I learned from gaming? Mostly, I've learned about myself.
I've learned that I don't find it fun to be scared (i.e. horrible ghoulies leaping out and trying to kill me) but I adore the challenge of being sneaky and subtle, and creeping past the baddies without them knowing I'm there.
The hallucinatory effects mentioned in that article are something I've experienced, too. I had chalked it up to sleep deprivation, at the time, but maybe there is more to it!
Just as in some of the games there are 'hidden gems.' If only we 'open our eyes' and look for them in life.
Computer games taught me to pick up anything that isn't nailed to the floor, as I might need it later.
It's too easy to construct a city full of lesbians in the Sims.
Aha,
Those video games have taught me to never interrupt my son when he is 'gaming'.
Heck, I never got past the computer games you could have on your TV screen. Green background and this little yell ball would go back and forth, back and forth, over the net...yawn :)
Take very good care,
Gary
Gaming is good when period of your gaming time is limited. And it is also depends which kind of games you have plays. Games which make your mind sharp and active, those games are good.
What interesting lessons you all do learen!
Kitty, Minesweeper teaches me to jump whenever I click a square!
MRp, some real life lessons there then!
jj, I reckon a scientific standpoint is a good one to take generally! I don't like being scared, either.
Debbie, that's a nice thought and a nice way to approach life.
Whirl, I'm sure that's another important lesson there!
Gary, those green on black games never did draw me in! And I can't interrupt my son when he's playing, or not very easily, he's so engrossed.
The most important things computer games have taught me is that I really rock at Zuma and Bejeweled. ; )
I think you took away some good qualities, though, FH!
stacy, way to go! I like Bejewelled but I don't think I've played Zuma. Remind me not to compete against you in either of them!
Post a Comment
The comments are the best part of this blog, so please do join in.