Everything Bad is Good For You: Games, Summary and Response

Games

Steven Johnson in, "Games", the first section under Part One of his book, "Everthing Bad Is Good For You" , Johnson talks about video games and how they aren't all that bad. Ever since he was introduced to games as a young kid, he was hooked. He was hooked because of how the games made his mind work, and work in a positive way that is. Johnson brings up the skills and experiences that video games are valued. He also talks about why people are so captivated by video games, such as flashy graphics, interactivity, and sex and violence. The point he makes in this reading is that even though video games contain negative contents, it shouldn't be considered a completely bad thing. He wants people to see the positive effects of video games and how it works the mind. For instance, video games can improve our decision making skills and improve social relationships.

Steven Johnson brings up the idea about how reading can be rewarding and have a positive effect on the brain. He says that, "We should all encourage our kids to read more, to develop comfort with and an appetite for reading." I agree with him. Reading is just more than looking at words. It takes "concentration, attention, and the ability to make sense of words.", like he mentions in the book. I feel like when I read, I have to really visualize the words or else I wouldn't understand it. I, myself also think that reading is rewarding such as learning new vocabulary words. I have a little sister that often brings home a book. Whenever I catch her reading a book, whether it contains a lot of pictures or a combination of both, she seems really interested in it. And that is what intrigues me because of how powerful words and pictures can be. Even though I don't like reading in general, I would definitely teach my kids later on in life, the importance of reading.