I think you can judge a person’s proficiency with technology by how much that person engages in technology for leisure or entertainment.
I am not merely to reaping the benefits of technology for our amusement, I am refering to immersing oneself in technology as part of the enjoyment. A 90 year old retiree sitting in a massage chair is not necessary technologically savvy because the person is using technology, but someone who creates digital art or builds computers, is.
Videogaming is slowly becoming a hot button issue in politics. Recently, Battack Obama and Hilary Clinton were asked on their opinions on the recently released game Grand Theft Auto 4 (GTA 4). They are entitled to their opinions like everyone else, but I wonder how informed those opinions are.
If we were debating any other form of traditional media like a book or movie, it will be able to ascertain its contents. For example, if a controversial documentary was produced, one could simply watch it to determine how outrageous it is. But what about a video game? Somehow, I can’t image Hilary Clinton, Jack Thompson, or the relatively young Barrack Obama sitting down to play GTA 4; quite possibly THE most controversial video game out there.
Yet, the people who hold the most power in legislating this new form of media, are the ones who are also the most unfamiliar with it. I find that extemely troubling.
Alot of people fail to realise that video games aren’t easy to play anymore, hence the creation of the Wii, which I totally disdain. Naturally, youngsters are more inclined to perform better at this form of entertainment, but to the older generation, video gaming is completely alien to them.
This is especially so when we look at a game like Grand Theft Auto 4, a game which can require 50 hours or more, before one can ascertain its content, its tone and its message in its entirety.
You may be wondering; “What’s the big deal? It’s just video games!”. Well, the videogaming industry is huge. It is argueably larger than the movie industry. And unless your omish, you probably know someone or are someone who owns a videogaming console.
But even if you don’t care, you have to wonder; is aversion to technology a power enough force that prevents the people in power from making informed decisions.
