Personally I outgrew video games by about age 15. But these days, it seems there is a generation who is so narcissistic that they will never grow up. And they expect you to be happy about that, and to bow to their whims and their willful ignorance of the people and world around them. I guess that's why so many college grads these days aren't getting hired to do the type of work they expect. They feel so entitled that they will never learn the meaning of respect, and are happy to tap away at their iPhones even during a job interview...Why? Well, it's because they are the most important generation in the history of the world. Haven't you heard? That's how their parents and the current culture raised them. It's time for change.
I'm 21. I'm most certainly part of this "narcissistic" generation that you're talking about. I don't know what generation you're from, how old you are, or what kind of esteem you hold yourself to. But I will say this: our generation is not responsible for this "behavior" that you speak of. People don't pull their phones out during interviews. Not the people I know. If you've personally experienced this, then I can only advise you to screen such applicants more stringently in the future. People who do that shouldn't be interviewing in the first place.
I still haven't outgrown video games. I never will. As a software developer and amateur photographer, I see video games as another medium of art. It's more than just first person shooters. There are stories being told, art being drawn, scenes being crafted. Your comments make it seem like in order to be respectful, selfless people in the world, we all have to grow up. You're wrong. It's about educating the younger generation. It's about setting examples. Kids can be respectful. Adults can be disrespectful.
What did you do to be banned? I don't want to know your answer. Unless you immediately assume that the moderator is a member of my generation or simply not a member of yours, please don't blame us for things like forum moderating, banning, or general "rudeness".
We don't expect anything from anyone. And it's not a result of us being in a "me" generation. It's a result of us being in a place and time where humans are so focused on digital and social networks. There's a disconnect between reality and interpersonal relationships. And it's not limited to my generation. I'd go on explaining that last, and most significant point, but I'd be thread-crapping and thread-jacking an already nutty thread.
You doth protest too much. Being 21 does not make you special. Don't be too sure about what you "never will" or will not do. You have no idea what will happen in your future, or how long your life will be. And it's not your duty to defend your generation, nor to speak for them. So why are you trying to? Nobody singled you out.
Frankly, the problem is not even limited to early 20-somethings anyway. I would extend the age higher than that. I suppose 27 sounds about right, since it's a scientific fact that the human brain doesn't finish developing until then.
The phones out during job interviews, was a widely circulated news story. Google it. Many of the job applicants who have done it, apparently had graduated from ivy league schools mostly in the northeast USA, and were applying for high paying entry level positions in corporate America. The reporters who told the story, had experienced the phenomenon themselves, and commented on it also. Some of them were in the business world as well, because some of the business news shows I watch, covered it.
I don't care if none of the people you know, do the above. Obviously it's a widespread problem. I know plenty of people your age. They could not go 1 hour without texting someone, or browsing something on their phone, or else playing a game on it, or watching tv on it. They have succumbed to a technology that is addictive, that's all. They've let themselves believe that it validates their existence. They lack the will power to go out into life and experience it, to live in the moment. The technology has enslaved them. They're happy to whip that 5 inch screen out bright as a search light during movies, too...and just dare anyone to go get the usher to throw them out. Why? Because they're more important than the rest of us. Being young and stupid equals being important to them.
To deal with people face to face, to talk with them, is more important than texting them. We are not made of software and living in cyberspace, without bodies. We have bodies, and our lives have a purpose. Human life is not cheap.
I agree that there is art and creativity in the world of gaming. It's a huge business which I would be happy to profit from. But again, for me personally, I prefer to be entertained passively. If I want to be an active participant in something, I prefer it not be a "sim" of some kind. Why? Well, because it feels meaningless...like I'm not doing anything special. Like I'm following the herd, and doing something that is easier than the real activity it is mimicking. Is there really anything special about a "hard core gamer"?
Another thing I don't like about the younger generation (speaking in angry old man voice now!)...is the need to achieve some kind of fame. The need for public validation. That need, implies you think you are superior in some way, because you think the world needs to see you. Reality check needed there! Stop posting lame videos of yourselves on youtube. You just look stupid. Stop following fads like "the harlem shake", etc...very lame. You're annoying the rest of us. Stop blasting booming car stereos...you have no musical taste, and have ruined your hearing. I like loud music at times myself, but if it's all one note of booming bass, it sounds like dogcrap. Learn how to listen to music properly...learn what "flat system response" is...and without making a peacock out of yourself at traffic lights.
I try to do as many of those things that I can, which they make video games about. I much prefer to do outdoor motorsports, for example, rather than play them on a video game. I don't feel the need or desire to go around killing people (or imaginary "zombies" if that makes it easier to kill them) at random. But I can see how it's helpful to train and brainwash young boys into the obsessive desire to do it (while their testosterone is raging anyway), so that when it comes time for them to pull the trigger on the enemy while they're at war, it makes the transition from game to real life, easier. Having said that, I have a feeling it wouldn't take too much to get me to pull the trigger. I've certainly shot some assault rifles in my time, and felt plenty of rage (not while shooting them though haha). The difference with me though, is that I am aware of the world around me, I am very up on current events, and am aware of the world outside my own country. I don't think the current "popular youth culture" has a clue about things like history...and how to avoid repeating it.
I never said the mods were of your generation, however I did imply the one who banned me, had his own reasons, which might or might not have been all that legitimate. Certainly it seemed very immature to me, and like he was playing his own little shootem-up video game...and likely colluding with other participants.
Frankly, if I were a moderator, I would probably succumb to the same thing though...haha. But it would get old after a few days.
I can understand the desire to try to make a forum a pleasant experience for all. It's not always possible to do that, though. When someone has an argument or a complaint, they should be allowed to continue in some way. If someone is singled out in a snide way, they should be allowed to tell the person off...the way they would face to face. However, that kind of thing happens a lot less often face to face, than when it's just words on a screen. Online, everyone is very powerful, very successful, very wise, and very intelligent. In real life, they aren't...except for me of course!
Also, to each his own. If thats how you enjoy life, so what? And Neuro is one of the brightest people on this forum, (hypothethetically). Sometimes i wonder if there is anything he DOESNT know.
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find your happy space first before posting here, and try to be part of building something fun and open-armed to all. And if that thought makes you feel sick in your stomach and tempted to post sugary sarcasm, maybe just park that post and stick to reading, or get up and do something off the computer.
except in minor nuance. I said 'warn quickly', which is consistent with your post IMHO about everyone having an off day. And, as I no doubt correctly predicted, the thought of posting happily will make some people feel ill.