Thoughts about Digital Nation

Wow, those gambling-like halls with kids at computers in comfy leather chairs - where do I start? I remember the first time I entered a casino(Las Vegas at seventeen)and was just amazed that there were so many people intently involved in gambling. It was as if I had arrived on another planet. I couldn't understand the attraction. When I saw the gaming place in Korea, on the Digital Nation film, I felt the same way, although I understand it a bit more because I have seen many children and young adults totally engrossed in video gaming. Yet, I still find myself asking why. How is it that something so mindless and useless is so engaging. Well, I guess maybe it isn't mindless - there are quests and strategies, you have to think and react quickly, and you must concentrate. Then again, I guess maybe it isn't useless either. They say that WOW (World of Warcraft)players will be our future leaders and our government is training the military with video games. I guess I am supposed to change my thinking about these activities.
Well, in some ways I have. My children were growing up when video games first came out and, thinking they were the death of all creativity (actually, I still think that), I refused to get a gaming box. Sure, my kids loved going to their friends' houses so they could play, but while at home they read books, drew, played outdoors, and even built whole cardboard video-game worlds spanning the dining room table. They had time to be reflective long enough to create at least. I was stepping over art supplies instead of wires and screens and was grateful. Today they are young adults and play video games but still take time to create, play instruments or enjoy the outdoors. Will the kids of tomorrow? Will they enjoy other hobbies? Will they get outside? Will they mix up virtual worlds with the real world? Will learning seem boring if it involves reading and questioning? Did you notice the pale faces and glazed eyes on the "video kids"? I almost imagine that the imprint of the chair is forever emblazened on their buttocks! I understand that kids enjoy being together and "shooting and killing" one another on the screen.Yet, when do they have true down time of peace and reflection? I just wonder - what would they be doing if they weren't playing video games? Do our kids have too much time on their hands? What if we organized community service projects for them to attend and participate in each day instead? Think of what we could accomplish! But that is a large and global thought - work for the Peace Corp in your own community starting at age seven - it just won't happen. So, how about more technology opportunities in schools? Yes, I think I'll start there and maybe they will want to go home and blog instead of building a cache of weapons and conquering unreal places in WOW........