James_Miller comments on Memetic Hazards in Videogames - Less Wrong

73 Post author: jimrandomh 10 September 2010 02:22AM

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Comment author: James_Miller 10 September 2010 01:16:14PM 4 points [-]

I bet video games make you a better driver by forcing you to develop situational awareness.

Comment author: Matt_Stein 10 September 2010 03:30:15PM 7 points [-]

In my experience, it was much easier to learn to drive thanks to my experience with videogames. After years of picking up new control systems, learning to drive an actual car was of little challenge. Same thing when I made the transition from automatic to manual transmission. It'd be interesting to see some research into how easily people pick up and learn new interfaces. I think it's also part of what separates "computer people" from "non-computer people".

(Sorry, bit of a tangent there)

Comment author: NihilCredo 10 September 2010 05:13:16PM 6 points [-]

I think it continously ingrains a certain type of "testing the waters" process:

1) Find an operation you can perform 2) Is it likely to cause permanent damage? If yes, goto 1. 3) Perform that operation a few times 4) See how it combines with the other operations you have already mastered 5) Repeat

I don't think it's something inherent to video games as a medium, it's just the most common activity that requires you to learn a new interface every few weeks if not more often. Professional tools of any kind will strive to retain a familiar feeling, and everyday tools like household appliances, cars, or cellphones don't get replaced nearly as fast.

(Sorry, bit of a tangent there)

It's OK, this is rapidly turning into LW's General Videogame Thread anyway.