Zelda to Angry Birds: My Love for Interactive Media

I spent the weekend with my sister's family and accidentally got four of her kids (ages 3-11) hooked on Angry Birds. Not a difficult feat; I myself couldn't stop playing when I first discovered the game. I'm not sure what it is about video games that is so addicting, but I've loved playing them my whole life.

Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was my first real addiction and I've loved the subsequent versions of the game. I guess in those games (not so much with Angry Birds) it's the story that captures and holds my attention, and the challenge of figuring out how to do things. (Except for the water temple in Ocarina. Please, someone commiserate.) Of course, it's fun and satisfying to get the bad guys, whether they're little green pigs or giant Octoroks.

Playing video games also reminds me of my brothers. My little brother and I would spend hours watching our older brother play video games when we were little, and the three of us have spent many hours since playing together.

I admit, I get a little upset when people insist video games are of the devil and are turning the youth into violent little monsters, not to mention causing ADHD. I understand the need for limits but video games always seem to get an especially bad rap. How is the person addicted to soap operas any different than the World of Warcraft gamer? Maybe I'm just one of the lucky few who have only had good experiences with video games.