Video Games Matter!!!!

Hello all! Tonight, I wanted to hit on a topic that needs some attention and love. Mainly, the idea that video games MATTER. Sometimes, I sit and play Call of Duty and think to myself, "What am I doing? Why am I wasting my time playing some game when I could be out "bettering myself"? I hate when I feel this way, but it happens from time to time. I mean, I love video games, but this thought still creeps into my mind. That's when I remind myself why I do what I do. Video games aren't just a time waster. They do mean something. Personally, I think video games matter becasue they let us ESCAPE from the normal world we all live in. Let's face it: Normal life sucks. If bills aren't getting you down, it's that girl or guy you asked out that said no. If it's not that, then it's the fact that you're unemployed (just as I am shortly about to be). Life's stresses can get into your head and mess with you. DO NOT LET THEM IN. Playing video games can help you destress. Don't believe me? Here you go. Games let you jump into somebody else's shoes and, for that small span of time, your mind gets a break from reality. You forget about the relationship problems and focus your attention on problem solving (or killing noobs, whichever you prefer). Also, video games run on a much deeper level than most people think. Just like movies, books, music, etc., some video games contain multiple layers to them. The superficial story might be about a military-generated super soldier who battles aliens. However, for those who know what to look for, the story also serves as a vehicle to discuss religion, military/political commentary, etc. How is this a bad thing? Video games aren't just these things little kids play. That's a major stereotype of videogames and people who play them. No difference exists between reading a book and being "high brow" versus playing video games and being "low brow". Both get the person thinking in different ways. Among the positives of playing video games? Multitasking skills,improved skiils in vision, and even quicker reaction times. These games may have had origins in simply providing entertainment. However, a major contrast is evident between a side-scrolling Super Mario title and a complex character study like the Mass Effect series. These games matter. Don't ever feel like you're wasting your time. Quite the opposite. You're probably learning a lot more than you know. So, in conclusion, don't ever quit and don't ever stop playing. Video games matter. So do you.