Gamers are considered the modern day hermits. -- Doc Mathamus Fare Thee Well Rocktropia, Until we Meet again!
In a way i guess its not far from the truth. But it all comes down to preferences, time management, and the varying RL situations. Online gaming can either be a substitute for our RL or an expansion of it. It all comes down to what we want from it. It could be an escape from RL, it could be a window into the whole wide world, the chance to meet people from all over the globe, experience different cultures and mentalities - and even make a few good friends. We are the ones that set the pace, we are the ones that set our boundaries. If only it wasn't so damn easy to get sucked in :D
Maybe that works for Mathamus. Whatever. Although I'm familiar with gaming for some years, and I agree with you Manny on your points, I'd add that "moderation in all things" (originally quoted from Aristotle I think) is a good goal to try for in one's life. Essentially, balance is best. I do know some gaming hermits, or rather people who have a hard time dealing with reality. Gaming is only the outlet. It could be some other unhealthy pursuit as well. It really is fascinating the people you can meet in online gaming, from the games themselves to the awesome conventions. Gaming in many ways is a modern outlet for some of the best interactive and artistic creations in existence.
Ya for a lot of us gaming is a way to experience something that we can't in RL. For example, I will never experience colonizing a new planet, but here I can. I am pretty sure that doesn't make me a hermit. :) Now their are those people who become "hermits" when they play but these people already have underlying issues. Video games give you a way to escape reality, if these people are trying to escape then video games is probably the best drug for them, at least it wont kill them(maybe ;) ). But seriously, if it wasn't games it would be booze or drugs until they get help.
True and true Tom and GrayFox. Let's not forget though that there are also a number of people for who (online) gaming is the only available form of socializing, be it cause of physical inability to get out, or simply because of their location. There are some pretty lonely work posts in this world (yay for mobile internet!)
Ya I fall into that group, well sort of, do have some social options in RL but those generally end around 8pm my time.
I live 150 miles from the closest road system. The only way to where I am is a 60-90 minute flight in a small aircraft. The only communication we have (telephone or internet) is through satellite. I just got back from town last week where I spent 1500dollars at costco on groceries for my family of 3 which will hopefully last us most of the summer. Am I a hermit? (there are about 150 people here) narfi
I have to admit i kinda had you in mind as an example Narfi :) Although there are even more secluded places and God (or deity of choice) only knows how things are there. Or how much more Hermitish (yay new word) you'd feel if you were a bachelor at the same spot...
It is interesting when you think of it. In truth I believe that I am more social in an isolated village of 150 than a majority of people living in cities of 1mil+ and I was even more social in this same location as a bachelor than I am now as a married father. A true hermit lives with no human interaction. That is impossible when living in a small area where EVERYONE knows both you and your business. On the other hand it is quite possible to go about your daily life in a city for weeks on end without seeing a single person who knows your name or cares what you do or how you are doing. things that make you say 'hmm' narfi
