I would personally blame actual reason to be "government tracks everyone now." Or at least something along those lines.

Most likely, a combination of different factors (videogames included) that each make up a smaller portion than we think.

I would argue they are a great distraction but ultimately it falls apart when individuals come to realize that you really only have so much time to spend on stuff that doesn't really provide much value to your life or other people you care about. The real problem is how addicting they are

I suppose its a perspective of priorities. I would much rather grind out a promotion or a financial plan rather than play video games because it provides greater overall value, and more importantly for consistency, a greater sense of satisfaction in the progress and put-togethered-ness of my life. But more paramount is the issue that with the friction-less society that we have built around consumerism it makes it really hard to even think about what we actually want and properly take the time to consider the cost-benefit analysis of our decisions.

Now with AI, I fear the offloading of cognitive function and friction will worsen this further in the short term (20ish years)

In general, I suppose you may be onto something. However, like others pointed out, this is one of many available reality escapes. And I believe, like with any addictive thing, there is also an important personal variable to its addictiveness.

I vaguely recall some old psychology/sociology research which suggest that violent video games actually decrease violent crime rates (I did find articles like this); one possible explanation is that ppl with violent tendencies might be distracting themselves with video games. So... maybe yes to a certain extent? I don't know by how much compared to other media though, we also have the likes of TV drama, pop music, sports, celebrity worship, ...

I wouldn't call it empty accomplishments though. In my belief system anything that leads to a healthier state-of-mind is inherently healthy

For the question itself, I mean people (at least in Europe) are very much rioting in the streets for the reasons you mentioned

uhh, i don't go out and riot because i don't have the emotional energy to do that. i play computer games because that's free (in case of luanti, mindustry etc) and i can actually feel good while doing it.

i would go out more if it was easier to meet people in non-profit places, i.e. places where you don't have to spend money just to exist.

i still wouldn't riot though because harm has never helped anything, it just makes things worse. we need constructive criticism instead.

I'd credit the global reduction of lead exposure

Lemmy ahh thread