A recent article by Economic Reference criticizes the gaming industry as a “spiritual drug” for its perceived negative impact on minors.

As video games grow into a massive industry, many parents express concerns over their children's gaming addiction and financial indulgence in games, even filing lawsuits against gaming companies.

However, as one commentator on Zhihu aptly points out, the allure of leisure activities predates the advent of video games, and removing gaming entirely may not necessarily result in better academic focus.

In imperial China, aristocrats found endless fascination with fighting crickets and grasshoppers, often dedicating their entire lives to this hobby, even as empires crumbled around them. Similarly, during the Han dynasty, elites engaged in cockfighting and games resembling modern-day marbles, demonstrating that even the educated classes were drawn to pastimes far removed from academia. From antiquity to the present, every era has its favored diversions, be it dice games in the Warring States period or tea-house culture in Qing China. This recurring pattern suggests that humans inherently seek enjoyment, regardless of societal pressures to prioritize productivity.

Contrary to the belief that entertainment hinders national development, some of the world’s most game-permissive countries are also among the most developed. For instance, nations with strict prohibitions on games, such as North Korea and certain Middle Eastern countries, do not exhibit superior academic or economic achievements. On the other hand, highly developed nations with lenient gaming regulations continue to foster talent and innovation, attracting professionals from around the world. This paradox highlights the inadequacy of attributing educational shortcomings solely to the existence of video games.

The disproportionate impact of video games on Chinese students may stem from the lack of diverse entertainment options in a rigid social environment. When avenues for relaxation are limited, any single form of entertainment becomes disproportionately enticing. Historically, societies that heavily restrict certain indulgences often witness an intensified obsession with the few remaining outlets, as seen with alcohol in ajacent country or betel nut in parts of Southeast Asia. The solution, therefore, lies not in banning games outright but in fostering a culture that balances discipline with accessible and varied forms of leisure.

Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human instinct, and the complete eradication of games would likely lead to the rise of alternative distractions rather than an increased focus on academics. A society devoid of joy cannot foster genuine growth or innovation. The key is to recognize entertainment as an essential part of life and to create an environment where education and recreation coexist, allowing individuals to thrive holistically.