Do you believe that reading trashy pulp fiction is the same as reading a Jane Austen novel?
It’s a matter of content, not medium. And I gather you’re rather unfamiliar with the content of assorted video games.
Here’s what you asked:
Should one feel embarrased about watching TV? reading fiction? playing board games?
The answer is that there is a difference between watching t.v. and playing video games and reading books and playing board games. Yes. Do you think this kid is more likely to have been reading Harry Potter and playing board games with his friends for free time, or playing Grand Theft Auto and watching t.v.?
Boy, 7, Says He Stole SUV To Do “Hood Rat Stuff” (Palm Beach Gardens, FL)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2009175/posts
If you think playing video games is a good way to spend your time, that’s your personal decision. But let’s not pretend that it is on par with reading a book or even playing a board game with other people.