"Converging: An interview with Henry Jenkins" points out an interesting observation. The question asked to Jenkins stated that "[m]any gamers report that they feel like they have 'wasted time' when playing a video game, yet are hard pressed to say what they should have been doing with their leisure time."
Hmm, good point.
My boyfriend and I occasionally play Wii Bowling when we don't have anything better to do. I oftentimes feel like this is wasted time that couldn't have been spent on something more productive. But now that I think about it, it's a good break from my real life.
I go to school full time, work at a car dealership 30 hours a week, coach high school cheerleading at least two times a week and occasionally try to fit in time for my friends, family and boyfriend. I go from one thing to the next and really don't have much free time.
Playing games, particularly video games is a good escape. As Jenkin's points out, "[m]ost of us are overscheduled and overburdened with other aspects of our lives and it ought to be a sacred thing to sometimes goof off with our mates." He continues to say that "[w]e lack ways of justifying or explaining the value of games as a meaningful activity."
That does ring true as it applies to me. As long as Wii Bowling doesn't interfere with my responsibilities, it isn't a waste of time. It's a fun escape from my hectic life. Yet another way technology is more of a positive than a negative.
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2 comments:
I think it there is no real answer to what is wasted time. My idea of wasting time is different than yours, and my boss's and my mother's and probably a majority of people.
I think it depends on what you value. If you value family and home, you might view teens hanging out at the mall all afternoon as a waste of time. If you're someone who is really into making money any way they can, sitting and reading a book would be a waste of your time.
I think that anything that is opposite of what you value or belive would be considered a waste of time. But most of us know that all work and no play can be bad for you. So your frivolous activity may look to me like a waste of time, but to you it is something to save your sanity or rejuvenate yourself.
I UNDERSTAND YOU, GAMES FOR ME IS A GETAWAY. BUT IT'S EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THEM. THAT CAN BE BOTH A GOOD AND A BAD THING.
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