Bob, the actual author-type fellow, is quite right. (If only he used semicolons a little more often, he’d be nearly perfect!)
I would say, however, that television can challenge the mind in the same way a theatrical performance or a lecture can. It depends on the material and the presentation, and on what the viewer does with it. In my living room, we often have discussions that are suggested by the content of what we see on television - it’s the analysis that’s challenging, especially when all the know-it-alls are present, not necessarily taking in the broadcast itself.
I’ll go with the ‘depending on content’ thing for TV. It’s just that IMO 99% of it, even the History Channel type docs are unwatchable and offer nothing but agenda driven programming and biased ‘historical’ views.
But there ARE indeed jems in the dumpster.
As for Video games, same thing. Being a Sci-fi/horror fan that’s read literally hundreds of books (started reading novels around age 5) I love RPGs and ‘playing’ the kinds of books I so enjoy.
When most people thing VGs, they think mindless drivel and things like Mario that are fun, but otherwise meaningless. Do a search on the games Xenogears (Playstation 1996/7ish) and the Xenosaga series (early-late 2000s/PS2 and 3). The level of story detail in them rival something like Ender’s Game and span 10,000 years of game history. The supplemental/production materials for Xenogears alone would make a thick novel.
And it’s not a simple hunt/kill adventure. You have to put some thought into it - and you become very immersed.
No, it won’t make you ‘smarter’ or help you in your daily job, but ‘mindless’ it’s not ;)
Many RPG, especially the Japaneese (gee, where have we heard about Japaneese men and video games before... ;) RPGs like the Shin Megami Tensi/Persona series are really more book than game. The story arcs are just incredible and require multiple playthroughs to ‘get it all’. All the above BTW are heavy on Jungean philosophy and concept.
Which explains in part the Hikkimoris out there and lack of interest in sex I guess ;)
And online at least, the discussions get quite deep into the historical/theological/philosophical discussions. And not just by a bunch of teenagers. These aren’t ‘kids’ games to begin with - in the non-porn sense.
Just wanted to throw it out there, FWIW.