At the dinner table last night, my family was having a discussion about potential distractions that kids face these days (mainly video games and the internet) that could lead to obesity and deter from exercise and social interaction with their peers.

So how do you feel about this? Do kids play outside less these days? Honestly, I don't think the advances in technology make much of a difference. People who are introverts and would rather stay inside all day just have more options. Frankly, I don't think playing video games or surfing the internet is any worse for you (in fact, it's probably better for you) than watching TV. These can be fun activities, but they should obviously be enjoyed in moderation.

When I was little, I loved video games, but I loved playing sports as well. I don't think it was my mother encouraging to go outside as much as it was that I enjoyed being outside and playing hockey and stuff with my friends. I've been playing video games and surfing the net my whole life and I'm a healthy, in-shape person with an active social life.

I guess my argument is that, although there are more things for people to do in their house without really moving, I don't see how this is going to be any more dangerous for kids. Too much of anything (for the most part) isn't good for you, and the same types of people who sat in their hosue and did nothing all day 30 years ago are still going to be doing that today.

Let me hear your thoughts.

Like anything else in life, it's about balance.

did i hear a ps3 is 600 smackers?

I have no problem with introverted kids staying inside and playing video games or surfing the web. It's the same thing the same type of thing (introverted) kids did before there was tv, but they read a book. That's another issue to deal with, however.

600 bucks?...Fuck that. I'm nto getting a new video game system for a while.

We need another Vietnam to thin out their ranks a little.

double post

The Wii is 250

Glad someone got that.

what is that like, a nintendo?

The Wii is the next-gen console from Nintendo.

Hooray for Mario in every possible gaming scenario!

I'm introverted, hence why I'm here all the time.

got 600 bucks laying around, pal?

nope, just good ole RM and the interweb.

I really don't think it has anything to do with your physical activity. Unless you want to get some muscles or something, you could not work out a day in your life with average metabolism and never get fat.

All you have to do is this - when you're sitting on your ass, don't eat so much and just play your damn games. It has more to do with self restraint than what you're actually doing. Naturally working out helps, but it ain't the only thing.

I was an introverted geek but I read for like 8 years straight before mom let me get a Nintendo. Whatever happened to saying no?

When I was a youth, even the geekiest of nerds played outside occasionally. We used to have things like chalk and swing sets for the less coordinated children. I do know nowadays parents are all paranoid about child molesters (perhaps rightfully so). They figure it's safer to keep the kids indoors and get fat than to have them play in the scary outdoors.

Although I have seen the other extreme. I live with mom and daddy (yeah I'm too old) in one of those kid-friendly developments where kids roam the streets like wild animals. I've literally seen a mom let her children play in the middle of the street on a fairly fast road. Then she had the audacity to motion for me to SLOW DOWN in my car. WTf? She and her kids were standing in the middle of the street. Streets are for cars!

On the fourth of the July the parents lit firecrackers in the middle of the street too. But I'm the unreasonable one.