It’s Time to Put These Beliefs to Rest
Oh no, here comes the gamer—the basement-dwelling Mountain Dew lover who can’t be in the sun…or so the general public seems to think. Gamers are so much more than their unfair stereotypes and we’re here to finally bury those strange beliefs!
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
1. They Have No Social Skills
Ah, a classic stereotype—that every gamer lacks social grace. Though some are more introverted than others, gamers are perfectly capable of striking up a conversation and expanding their network.
2. They’re All Single
Forgive their bumbling, m’lady, the gamer is only accustomed to wooing pixels. False! Plenty of gamers nabbed their forever person or simply enjoy the single life. It’s almost like gaming has nothing to do with your relationship status. Who would’ve thought?
3. They’re Basement Dwellers
Gamers could spend their entire day in the sun, and haters would still keep them in the basement. Even if someone has a cool gaming setup downstairs, that doesn’t make them pasty little gremlins who prefer the night. Let them game where they’re going to game!
4. They’re Overweight
Pop culture often portrays gamers as Cheeto-stained weirdos, but that’s simply not true. Many work gaming into their schedule, which can include anything from eating right to weekly workouts. Spending some downtime with your PS5 doesn’t have to impede health.
5. They’re Inherently Violent
We were hoping this insane belief would stay in the ‘90s, but here we are. Repeat after us: violent video games do not breed violent players. Several studies concluded as much. The only time it might cause problems is with impressionable children, and even then violent tendencies are often already present, not directly caused by gaming.
6. That Girls Can’t Game
Despite the overwhelming evidence otherwise, many still believe that women can’t game. Whether they play Stardew Valley or aim for 100% completion in Red Dead Redemption, girls are just as capable of enjoying this popular pastime!
7. They Have Poor Hygiene
Alright, we’ll admit it—we’ve postponed the odd shower to beat a gnarly boss. We were in the zone! However, there’s a huge difference between that and forgoing basic hygiene, which we can assure you gamers do not.
8. They Aren’t Intelligent
For some reason, people assume gamers aren’t intelligent, which is not only untrue but incredibly insulting! Tons of gamers excel in school, have degrees, and hold good jobs; a little screen time doesn’t fry their brain.
9. That Gaming is a Silly Hobby
Not everyone cares for video games and that’s okay—so long as they don’t totally denounce their significance. Thousands of games have rich characters and incredible stories, making this a hobby that appreciates art in all its forms!
10. They Fly Off the Handle
Sure, gamers have some heated moments. That doesn’t mean they’re privy to whipping controllers or shouting at their partners. Everyone’s lost their cool once or twice and it’s hardly indicative of overall character.
11. They’re Antisocial
Some claim gamers have no social grace, others claim they’re antisocial altogether. Either way, they’re both wrong! Just because someone has a solitary hobby doesn’t mean they’re without loved ones.
12. They’re “Losers”
People sometimes see gamers as the epitome of embarrassment—but picking up a controller doesn’t turn down their cool meter. Ironically enough, you’re out of the loop if you don’t attack those creepers or make your own Tav.
13. That Gaming is for Kids
Oddly enough, nay-sayers are either torn between crying violence or assuming all games are for children. They can’t have it both ways! Just because it’s a game doesn’t mean it’s childish, and, in fact, many video games have complex stories and difficult puzzles that need solving.
14. They Have No Ambition
Shoutout to pop culture for portraying gamers as low-lives with no goals. Well, stepping into a video game doesn’t negate ambition. You can be Joel Miller for the evening and still aim for that promotion at work.
15. They Only Have Online Friends
Online friends are amazing—we connect with people halfway across the world and make genuine connections with new people. Yet, nay-sayers consider them some kind of pox. They’re definitely not, so go ahead and make those pals!
16. They Never Leave the House
Gamers love the real world as much as they do pixelated ones. Contrary to popular belief, they obviously go out with friends, partners, and family. So, make sure you invite them to your parties!
17. They’re Addicted to Gaming
It’s true that extreme cases have popped up in the news. However, those don’t speak for the entire community and it’s unfair to assume all gamers will ignore their children or forego essential self-care.
18. Every Gamer is a Misogynist
The misogynists may be loud, but they aren’t the majority. Lots of gamers welcome women into their community or online sessions, all without demanding a sandwich.
19. They’re Too Invested
It’s easy to scratch your head at gamers when you’re not in the community. Why does that cowboy game make them cry? Why are they so attached to someone named Mordin Solus? Don’t worry, we understand the emotion.
20. They All Love Mountain Dew
Hey hey hey, not every gamer downs a gallon of Mountain Dew. It might seem like a weird stereotype but it’s one the gaming community has a hard time shaking.
