This was really, really good, thank you. I am going to have my 13 year old son read this, so we can have a conversation about it.
The opportunity cost is real, of seeking real life challenge, mastery, risk (aka dominion as you put it) and all the benefits that come with it. It’s much easier and safer to just do it in a virtual world. The fact that it’s so easy also sets the bar very low, where I’ve noticed he now quickly gives up on anything that’s even remotely difficult, takes time, etc. Quick to excuse it as “I am bad at it”.
It then becomes a vicious cycle.
I grew up with the 1 hour limit back when nobody else even had a computer (thanks Dad!), and doing it now with him. This then creates empty space, boredom, which can be used as fuel to engage with all the real world things that are now “fun enough” when the computer is not an option.
What do you think of “boredom as fuel” concept. The virtuous cycle alternative. But of course needs to be directed constructively, hence, requires active involvement as you advocate.
This was really, really good, thank you. I am going to have my 13 year old son read this, so we can have a conversation about it.
The opportunity cost is real, of seeking real life challenge, mastery, risk (aka dominion as you put it) and all the benefits that come with it. It’s much easier and safer to just do it in a virtual world. The fact that it’s so easy also sets the bar very low, where I’ve noticed he now quickly gives up on anything that’s even remotely difficult, takes time, etc. Quick to excuse it as “I am bad at it”.
It then becomes a vicious cycle.
I grew up with the 1 hour limit back when nobody else even had a computer (thanks Dad!), and doing it now with him. This then creates empty space, boredom, which can be used as fuel to engage with all the real world things that are now “fun enough” when the computer is not an option.
What do you think of “boredom as fuel” concept. The virtuous cycle alternative. But of course needs to be directed constructively, hence, requires active involvement as you advocate.