Yesterday, the New York Times ran a story that focused on how kids are spending too much time playing video games and using their phones during the covid-19 pandemic. Today, that story was on the front page of the paper. This seems strange considering how the world is falling apart and democracy is dying in front of our eyes, but yeah, sure, letâs consider that kids might be playing too much Roblox.
The article, which ran on January 16, quoted some experts and presented a lot of âscaryâ numbers about screentime. But it also glossed over the fact that video games and the internet have helped many people, kids and adults, stay connected and sane during this terrible time.
https://lastchance.cc/catching-covid-19-sucked-though-video-games-helped-1845791320%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
âWhat are you going to do when youâre married and stressed? Tell your wife that you need to play Xbox?â This is a quote included in the story, from the mother, as the son explains that after their dog died on New Yearâs Eve, he used games to take his mind off the sadness. Itâs presented as a negative. Yet, I can list numerous times when I and others used video games as a way to relieve stress or escape from a terrible day. This isnât me trying to toss this mom under the bus. I can understand the frustration she and so many others are going through.
The real question is why that frustration needed to be on the front page of the New York Times, presented in an article that frames video games and the internet as dangerous, addictive things that are ruining our children and holding them captive. The article literally opens with a quote from the father about how he feels like he has âfailedâ his son, because he plays video games and uses his phone. Itâs like something I would have seen in the â90s on some local news broadcast, with clips of kids playing NES in the background.
This isnât the first time we have seen larger and older outlets focus on only children playing games and try to use fear-mongering and scary numbers to build a narrative that completely ignores reality.
So if you or your kids need to escape and want to play some Minecraft and maybe you end up playing a few hours more than usual, donât worry about it. We are all relying on digital apps and services to stay connected and happy. Binge some Netflix. Have a Zoom hang out session with family and friends. Or play some Call of Duty Warzone with your long-distance siblings.
Life is hard enough right now. Donât beat yourself up for taking care of yourself or letting your kids have fun with their friends.
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