Digital Alcohol is not a solution

While watching a recent episode of 'The Big Bang Theory' I was incredibly amused by a scene in which one of the characters, Sheldon, goes for a walk to clear his head inside a video game world because the real world has far too much risk of real danger in his opinion; it provides an outlet for him without the potential for harm. While this implies that there are no negative consequences to him from the game, his later comment about how the effects of the alcohol he consumed there is affecting his out of game play actions is curious. His situated immersion is great, to our and his roommates amusement who when asked if he would like a whiskey replies “no I can't, I'm playing grand theft auto later" (1:16) Sheldon, not one for jokes takes this in all seriousness as a valid responsible decision despite grad theft autos themes. 

a vary curious scene with game related talk from 0:00 - 1:37

Initially when introduced to 'The Big Bang Theory' I couldn't stand it as the characters seemed to be too stereotypical in their geekdom, with social inept characteristic such as the complete inability to talk to girls (Raj) living with mother (Howard) glasses (Leonard) lack of humour (Sheldon) an obsession with comics as well as working at a University. Having a beautiful neighbour with limited intelligence (Penny) really didn't help matters. But slowly the show began to tease out some of the troupes by introducing extra 'nerdy' female characters, attractive 'nerds' and by introducing Penny to their world. one of the most entertaining episodes for me was when Penny a non gamer was introduced to online gaming and becomes OBSESSED with age of Conan and we see unflattering aspects of her personality. While an unflattering reflection of the perception of gamers and the effects of games, its satyriasisim is entertaining.

Katrina van Roon