Breaking the Stigma: Overcoming the Negative Perception of Geek Culture and the Benefits of TTRPGs and Gaming for Adults

Geek media like gaming, anime, cartoons and TTRPG has changed over the years, along with becoming mainstream in all media. It is truly frustrating and aggravating to hear the negative comments and stereotypes often thrown towards adults who enjoy those video games, cartoons, anime, and TTRPGs. This kind of criticism is not only uninformed, but also perpetuates harmful stigmas about the role of “play” in adult life.

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This is going to be more of an informative article rather than my usual fun posts like What Pokemon Party would the Dragon Ball Z characters have? The reason? I’m tired of hearing the news and mainstream media talking about words like “kiddult” or discussing how geek media is harmful for adulthood. While there are harmful uses of any form of stress management the stigma around geek media needs to stop. There are countless studies that gaming, TTRPG, cartoons and anime help people cope with trauma, overcome social anxiety issues and overall make friends. It’s all about properly educating yourself on the topic before claiming things to be “childish”.

To start what is “play”? Let’s get serious for a second:

“Play in adult life refers to leisure activities and hobbies that allow individuals to relax, have fun, and engage in non-work-related pursuits. This concept of play is important because it helps to balance work and life, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. Play can come in many forms such as video games, cartoons, anime, TTRPG, sports, and many other activities. It provides an escape from the monotony and pressures of everyday life and allows individuals to engage in activities they are passionate about.

In turn, this leads to increased happiness, creativity, and improved problem-solving skills. By having play in their lives, adults can maintain their mental and emotional health, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life. But that’s just the science and description behind it.”

Now let’s get into more geek research.

There have been tons of studies that playing video games and engaging in fantasy worlds can actually have numerous benefits for adults. It can improve problem-solving skills, boost creativity, and relieve anxiety, especially for adults who have undergone traumatic events in their life. For TTRPGs, collaborative storytelling and teamwork can lead to improved communication and leadership skills outside of “play”.

But despite the numerous benefits, many people still view these forms of media and play as “wasting time” or “childish.” It is important for these people especially those in positions of power to educate themselves on the positive aspects of new media and geek culture. New jobs are being formed thanks to geek media and it shows that these jobs not only help build the economy, but open new opportunities for newer generations.

Here’s a handy list:

Video Game Designer
Video Game Programmer
Video Game Artist
Video Game Tester
Video Game Writer
Animation Artist
Concept Artist
3D Modeler
Voice Actor
Manga Artist
Comic Book Artist
Tabletop Game Designer
Game Master (for TTRPGs)
Game Animator
Game Sound Designer
Game Developer
Game Publisher
Game Journalist
Game Marketing Manager
Game Localization Specialist

Obviously you can add content creators and streamers on the list, but these are some fine examples.

With an obvious love of geek culture, I’ve channeled that passion into a career as a video game journalist, using my platform to educate others about the numerous benefits of TTRPGs, anime and gaming. Through my writing, I’ve been able to share the positive impact these forms of media can have on one’s mental health, creativity, and overall well-being.

I’ve also seen first-hand the power of TTRPGs to bring people together, and provide a safe space for players to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others. In a world that can be so divisive and isolating, these games provide a way for people to connect and build community.

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I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of many tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) and gaming community for many years now. Over the course of my journey, I’ve encountered countless individuals who have questioned the validity of my interests and belittled me for being a “grown-up” who still enjoys playing games. However, I’ve come to realize that these negative attitudes towards TTRPGs and gaming are largely due to a lack of understanding about the numerous benefits these activities can offer adults. In this article, I aim to educate and shed light on the positive aspects of TTRPGs and gaming for adults and why it’s never too late to embrace your inner geek.

Why roleplay gives you a better role in life’s game

First, let’s start with TTRPGs. These games allow players to exercise their creativity, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking as they navigate through complex scenarios and make decisions that affect the outcome of the game. Geeky I know. But it’s not as complicated as you think! With these cognitive benefits, TTRPGs also provide a unique social opportunity for players to connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Whether it’s bonding over shared interests or collaborating to defeat a common enemy, TTRPGs offer a fun and engaging way for adults to connect with each other in a meaningful way. And by defeating enemies within a session, you can also defeat your own demons as well.

One of the most significant benefits of TTRPGs is their ability to improve mental health. TTRPGs can reduce stress and anxiety in the act of storytelling and collaboration. TTRPGs can provide a sense of escapism and help players distance themselves from the challenges of everyday life by also facing them as a different character. This escape can lead to a reduction in stress and an improvement in overall mood, making TTRPGs an excellent form of self-care for adults.

In addition to the mental health benefits, TTRPGs also offer a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Through role-playing, players can explore different perspectives and emotions and challenge themselves to step outside their comfort zones. This type of self-reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of the “self” and can result in personal growth.

Gaming isn’t just for kids

Now let’s talk about video games. Video games have come a long way since their inception and have evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry that offers a wide range of experiences for players. From fast-paced first-person shooters to peaceful puzzle games, there is something for everyone in the world of gaming.

One of the most significant benefits of video games is their ability to improve cognitive function. Video games can improve various cognitive skills such as attention, spatial awareness, and decision-making. These skills can translate to real-life benefits, such as improved multitasking and increased efficiency in problem-solving. All Ages of Geek’s two parent bloggers Tommi and Marissa can also talk more about the benefits of video games when raising kids, which you can find over on their Geek Mom World blog!

I feel a responsibility to use my voice to fight against the stigma and negativity often associated with geek culture. I believe it’s important for people to understand that enjoying these forms of media as an adult is not a sign of immaturity or a lack of responsibility, but rather a healthy and fulfilling form of play that can enrich one’s life.

So to those who still find themselves facing ridicule for their love of geek culture, I say this: don’t be afraid to embrace your passions and stand up for what you believe in. Your love for these forms of media is valid and worthy of respect, and I encourage you to keep exploring and enjoying them in any way that brings you joy.

Embrace the power of play and reject the harmful stereotypes that try to diminish its value. Celebrate our love for video games, cartoons, anime, and TTRPGs and proudly proclaim that there is nothing wrong with being a geek, no matter what your age may be.

It is time for us to stand up against the negativity and embrace the positive impact that these forms of media and play can have on our lives. Continue to explore new worlds, make new friends, and find new ways to cope and thrive in a constantly changing geek world.