The Puzzle of Gifted Young Men and Video Game Addiction

Do gifted young men get addicted to video games because society itself is not that mentally stimulating? To explore this question, we need to delve into the psychological and social aspects of why young men, and a select few even more intelligent among them, may find solace and challenge in the digital realm.

Video games offer a unique kind of responsibility and heroism. They often give the player a clear goal and the player's success is entirely dependent on their own actions. This framework of achievement and control resonates with young men, who are often searching for recognition and success that they may not find in their real lives. The heroism and success portrayed in video games are, in essence, a fantasy that many young men crave and feel the need to emulate.

Opium Den of the 19th Century and Beyond

Reflecting on the historical parallel drawn in Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, one can see how opium provided a similar function in a time where society was dull and imposing overthinking. Opium, in the 19th century, was somewhat of a "medicine," especially in military circles, where morphine was used during the Vietnam War. It was often a form of escape, a momentary release from reality, similar to the way video games can be for modern-day youth.

One can hypothesize that video games too offer a form of escape, a means to exercise the sharp minds of gifted individuals within an environment that is too restrained and unexciting. Games provide a platform where mental prowess can be honed and celebrated, a place where the mind is not only challenged but also doted upon. It might be a bit of a stretch, but there could be a parallel to Holmes' drug use in his era versus modern gaming addiction in the digital era.

My Personal Experience with Gaming

As for my own experience, I cannot call myself 'gifted' in the traditional sense, but I would say I am quite intelligent. For two years, video games were a significant part of my life, but not in the unhealthy way people often portray. I have never been truly addicted; going on vacation for a week did not disrupt my routine, as I typically logged roughly 20 hours a week. It was a strategic and competitive game, especially League of Legends, that piqued my interest. This combination of mechanical and strategic skills intrigued me, as I constantly sought to measure myself against others while achieving a sense of accomplishment through rising ranks.

I suspect that the high stakes of gaming were particularly challenging for me. Not some trivial school riddle or 'intelligent' task, but something that truly tested my mental abilities. These challenges were something I was craving and often lacked in my real-life experiences. As such, gaming offered a fulfilling and stimulating environment, much like the 19th-century escapism provided by opium.

Despite my enthusiasm, I eventually stopped playing as the game evolved in a way that I did not enjoy. However, my experience underscores that video games can indeed be a mental workout, a sanctuary for the mind, especially for those who are unfulfilled by the current societal offerings.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, the mental stimulation of video games can be seen as a counterbalance to a mentally inactive society. For gifted young men, especially, these digital worlds can provide the challenge, recognition, and escape that are often scarce in their real lives. As society continues to evolve, so too will the forms of escapism and mental exercises available to us. The role of video games in this process is undeniably significant.

Understanding this phenomenon can help us better address the issue of gaming addiction and guide individuals towards finding their balance between the virtual and real worlds. By focusing on creating more mentally engaging and fulfilling experiences in our real lives, we can reduce the need for such digital escapes, whatever form they may take in the future.