A Balanced Approach to Gaming in a Post-Pandemic World
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on the Pandemic's Impact
The memories of the pandemic linger, and like many, I’m unsure if I’ve fully recovered from that period. While some still grapple with physical effects, I suspect a significant number of individuals are navigating emotional challenges.
It's essential to demonstrate resilience, and overcoming adversity can be beneficial for one’s spirit. However, the negative experiences can manifest differently for each person. Personally, my focus has shifted from my own journey to how it has altered my children's experiences.
During the height of the pandemic, I conducted my speech and language sessions via Zoom. Meanwhile, my school-aged kids were expected to manage their assignments independently through Google Classroom. The struggle lay in balancing my attention between my students and my children. In my usual fashion, I transitioned between sessions, often yelling across the house to check on my kids' progress while urging them to turn off the television.
Chapter 2: The Rise of Online Gaming
Another significant outcome was my unexpected introduction to online gaming, which had previously not been part of our household. As an educator, I began to recognize the advantages of online gaming: various avatars, reduced social anxiety compared to in-person interactions, and the opportunity to immerse oneself in captivating worlds with engaging objectives. However, this also comes with drawbacks, such as cyberbullying and gaming addiction. Like many aspects of life, moderation is key.
Unfortunately, the pandemic did not foster that balance as well as I had hoped—gaming often served as a substitute caregiver. Additionally, my wife and I spent considerable time on Zoom calls with friends, which inadvertently increased our children's online exposure.
Fast forward three years, and my recollection of that period has evolved. Perhaps it wasn’t as detrimental as I initially perceived. Indeed, some benefits emerged, especially regarding what my family and I learned about resilience.
The first video, "FFXIV - A Modest Proposal," discusses the nuances of gaming culture and the impact of community in online spaces.
Chapter 3: Embracing a Hybrid Gaming Approach
With this reflection, my perspective on online gaming has shifted towards advocating for a hybrid model. It's all too easy to succumb to the allure of online gaming, as it’s readily accessible anywhere with an internet connection. However, this convenience often comes at the expense of personal connection.
I fondly remember the camaraderie of playing new N64 games with friends on Friday nights—the playful banter when someone lost and the bonds formed through teamwork. The ability to read facial expressions and gestures in a shared space allowed for a safe exchange of both positive and negative feedback.
While I wouldn't advise against allowing your children to engage in online gaming, I do encourage a hybrid approach. Balance online interactions with opportunities for in-person play, where you can join in as well!
In this way, there will be connection, competition, and a deeper understanding of social dynamics that are often lost in purely online interactions. Most importantly, there will be fun.
The second video, "Checkpoint, A Modest Proposal," explores the importance of balancing gaming with real-world interactions to foster meaningful relationships.