Joe Rogan Says Video Games Are A ‘Waste Of Time’ For Most People

Joe Rogan has sparked a big debate on social media after claiming playing video games is a waste of time for 'most people'.

During an episode of his podcast, Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan was chatting with author, fitness guru and businessman Joe De Sena about how it's necessary for kids to be challenged with sports.

He said to De Sena and his massive audience: "Video games are a real problem, They're a real problem. You know why? Because they're f***ing fun.

"You do them, and they're real exciting, but you don't get anywhere. You [could be] doing something exciting and fun, or you could just be playing f***ing video games.

"Three years later you could just be that same kid, playing video games, waiting for the next whatever the f*** game is...You're gonna waste your time."

Sure, people could do things that are more physically active, however to say video games don't help people in different ways is neglecting their power.

PA

Studies have shown games can help with a person's reading skills, their visual-spatial skills, problem-solving skills, social connection skills, relieve stress and tension, and they can also target and improve a person's play and creative juices.

But Rogan double downed on his theory during the podcast.

He said: "Like martial arts, you can get obsessed with Jiu-Jitsu and three years later you are an elite Jiu-Jitsu athlete and you're entering into competitions and you're a purple belt and you're thinking maybe I'm able to open my own school someday.

"There are kids that make a lot of f***ing money playing video games.

"But you have to be adaptable, you have to able to play multiple video games. Because the one game you get really good at, what are the odds it'll be around in five years time?"

Activision

After the clip aired on social media, people have been hitting back at Rogan for his views.

One person wrote on Twitter: "Just like playing sports is a waste of time, watching movies/tv shows is a waste of time, hanging out with friends is a waste of time, reading is a waste of time, listening/learning how to play music is a waste of time. All these things can be considered a waste of time..."

Another added: "I think the main problem here is the notion that a fun activity needs to produce money to be worth your time. What if it makes you happy? What if you bond with your friends and get stress relief through video games?"

But some supported what he was saying, with one user saying: "I think without proper balance he is absolutely right. I've first hand seen people put in 10+ hours a day into gaming with nothing to show for their lives. Moderation is key. Gaming is amazing, but without self control it absolutely can consume people's lives in the wrong ways."

At least a new study came out recently that confirmed long-held suspicions that video games do not increase a person's likeliness to be aggressive.

Topics: News, joe rogan, Technology

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie