All the time we come across a plethora of results from different scientific research and Gallup polls. Some of them claim that web TV is the future. For sure online TV gained popularity. Others compare a dramatic effect of video games on our minds and behavior to a profound effect of online television. Thus, the latter suggest that video games will take their revenge in the near future. They also say that 80 percent of active Internet users will have a Second Life in the virtual world by the end of 2011.
It would be interesting to know how many people are involved in watching television and playing video games. What do people gain/lose… by going into these consumption activities? Why do we spend so much time wasting time in front of a monitor? Is it worth it?
I’m not too sure, but according to recent research (Total TV Audience Monitor), uncounted TV viewers are growing. T-TAM found that 26 million people (18-49 demographic) watch TV away from home each week, and of that number, 4 million only watch TV away from home, never at home. Does this mean that we get into the way of watching TV at work, in bars, etc.?
It goes without saying that 61% of PC users play games according to Media Matrix reports. We have to draw a parallel between these two consumption activities to know how we are subjected to one hobby or another.
“I think advertisers realize that their message is getting more frequency because there are additional viewers outside of the home. But they don’t realize that many of these are additional viewers,” says Lynnae Psaras, vice president of T-TAM.
What gadgets are high priority when we hang out? Cell phones, iPods, etc. These devices are at our disposal. We are not known to use them for different purposes.
We already told you the pros and cons of video games. We compare games with television! They have in common:
Devices. Devices listed above such as computers, iPods, televisions, cell phones. TV and games are the best fit!
Popularity. It goes without saying that gamers like games and viewers like news, shows and so on.
Lifestyle. Non-stop watching TV as well as playing online enabled games will make you a couch potato or go crazy for it.
Side effects. Many people see horrible images both on the news and while playing games. Make sure that the offensive scenes, to a greater or lesser extent, create stress and interest as well.
“Everywhere we look, violence surrounds us and it is unfortunate that our children are exposed to this explicit material, whether it is found in video games, movies or television,” said New York State Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno.
In short, I would say that if you don’t want to become a zombie, live with your own brain! The funny thing is that God helps those who help themselves.