Gamers and the games they play have been blamed for everything from violent crime to the injustices surrounding Coltan mining.
But in reality thugs, bullies and killers were with us long before video games, TV, movies or comic books and Coltan has many more uses than just games systems.
Tantalum is used primarily for the production of capacitors, particularly for applications requiring a small compact format and high reliability, ranging widely from hearing aids and pacemakers, to airbags, GPS, ignition systems and anti-lock braking systems in automobiles, through to laptop computers, mobile phones, video game consoles, video cameras and digital cameras.[6] The upsurge in electronic products over the past decade resulted in a peak in late 2000 with inflated high demand and price increases for the mineral which lasted a few months. In 2005 the price was still down at early 2000 levels.[7]
Though often referred to as a socially inept 12 year old or a ne’er do well who lives in his parents basement, gamers come from all walks of life and both sexes. The highest demographic being those in their 30’s and 40’s.
A recent study of 5-7 graders found that playing (non-violent) games increased their cognitive and perceptual skills. Another study on surgeons found that those who gamed made 37% fewer mistakes and were 27% faster. If you’re having surgery you might want to ask your doctor to invest in an Xbox!
Games such as World of Warcrack Warcraft encouraged community and scientific reasoning
*researchers Constance Steinkuehler, PhD, and Sean Duncan, MA, of the University of Wisconsin at Madison
So don’t fear the gamers, well ok maybe this one
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWnyUtdcboc[/youtube]
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