Head Scratchers

Study Claims Men Are Going Extinct, Blames Video Games

Well, this is weird: A Stanford University study claims that video games are turning this generation of men into a bunch of maladjusted recluses, who will all soon die out. Think Howard Hughes with more Mountain Dew and an Xbox addiction.

But why are video games the problem? And why are they apparently killing off a ton of guys?

The researcher, Professor Philip Zimbardo, has published his findings in conjunction with his new book, The Demise Of Guys: Why Boys Are Struggling And What We Can Do About It, according to Mercury News. In his book, Zimbardo argues that it’s men, primarily, who are getting hooked on things like video games and internet porn, which is keeping them indoors longer and away from what he thinks is “normal” human interaction. And why is this leading to extinction? According to Zimbardo (and, well, lots of researchers) people who spend too much time in isolation die sooner, due to problems that arise from it, like depression and physical deterioration, according to the Daily Mail.

Of course, there are a few problems with this study. For starters, there’s evidence that shows video games can actually improve social skills among teens and even boost players’ self-esteem — something that might help out with that whole “get out there and meet some people” thing.

Another key problem with this study? There’s mounting evidence to show more and more women are getting into computer and video games. And we’re not extinct… yet?

TAGS: video games

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