I need help convincing my parents.

[Oh That Dude]

So basically my Dad and I have just had a somewhat one sided discussion about the amount of time I spend on the laptop and on the Xbox. Apparently I'm dulled by technology and not interesting because of it. I could simply show him my msn conversations and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't dare deny the fact that I'm interesting, but the flaw with that is that I'd have to show him my msn conversations. Not safe for parental eyes. So:

How can I prove to him that gaming and the internet are not dulling my brain and making me a slave to a screen?

EDIT: I feel I should mention at this point that I do have an active social life and I don't spend all my time on here.

 

[Omikron009]

Prove something like that to your parents? Impossible. I've tried for years, and it's not happening. You have to live with it.

 

[Circleseer]

... You see the irony of asking that question to strangers on the internet, right?

 

[MisterShine]

Ask him what can change the nature of a man?

 

[SoxFan96]

I would recomend going outside. Meeting up with some friends, hanging out somewere for a few hours doing something physical and not game related.
Or if all your friends are lazy, at least go to a movie. Maybe get a girlfriend too. I haven't been told I was anti-social since I have been in a relationship.

Honestly, nothing computer related will show you are not dulled. Do something in real life, outside. Have fun. Take pictures. Show your parents.

 

[Necator15]

Don't bother? A little time away from a glowing screen is good for you.
What I imagine he was trying to say that is if you were to take some nice girl out someday, you wouldn't have a hell of a lot to talk about that has occurred in the real world as opposed to WoW, or CoD, or any other three letter acronym for a game.

 

[Chainsaws_of_War_2]

Well, convince him what you do in your free time is what kids these days do now. Also, are you over 14? Because I don't know many people over that age that aren't on their computer all the time.

 

[Oh That Dude]

... You see the irony of asking that question to strangers on the internet, right?

I see the potential for irony, but it's not ironic because you guys aren't the only people I'm asking. If I was dependent on the internet for advice then I'd agree.

 

[LarenzoAOG]

Move out and never call again.

 

[Eggsnham]

You can't.

Assuming you've tried to reason with him; it sounds like he can't be reasoned with.

What's his idea of being interesting? You may have to do things he likes or just live with your dad finding you uninteresting. Which sounds like a pretty terrible existence.

Sorry I couldn't help.

 

[Ironic Pirate]

Have him join a forum of some kind, see it for himself.

My dad posts on a woodworking forum regularly, and he doesn't adhere to the internet makes you stupid theory.

 

[Xojins]

Pick up a hobby that doesn't involve the laptop or Xbox.

 

[IcyEvils]

... You see the irony of asking that question to strangers on the internet, right?

Not a slave to a screen, yet asking answers from something viewed on a screen.

How about moderating your use? I'm guessing your laptop/Xbox time > everything else, so maybe visit relatives living nearby, mess about with your friends, do something occasionally that reminds them you aren't addicted to tech. Also, you're on a laptop. While it isn't recommended to let the thing charge and you use it simultaneously, maybe charge it till the max (roughly 3 hours?) then leave it to charge again. It is like parental controls, but actually benefits you. Trust me, doing something after abstaining from it feels better than just doing it.

Edit: I'm 16, and my mum has stopped going on about it after I did a few chores for her. Try it, it works.

 

[Oh That Dude]

Don't bother? A little time away from a glowing screen is good for you.
What I imagine he was trying to say that is if you were to take some nice girl out someday, you wouldn't have a hell of a lot to talk about that has occurred in the real world as opposed to WoW, or CoD, or any other three letter acronym for a game.

Well if he was trying to say that he'd be mistaken, I might not exactly be a ladies man but it's not like I can't talk to people. I love how everyone has assumed I'm a social reject.

 

[Oh That Dude]

So basically my Dad and I have just had a somewhat one sided discussion about the amount of time I spend on the laptop and on the Xbox. Apparently I'm dulled by technology and not interesting because of it. I could simply show him my msn conversations and I'm pretty sure he wouldn't dare deny the fact that I'm interesting, but the flaw with that is that I'd have to show him my msn conversations. Not safe for parental eyes. So:

How can I prove to him that gaming and the internet are not dulling my brain and making me a slave to a screen?

Ok, I quoted you so you'll read this. This is a far less traditional way of convincing someone. Instead of trying to convince him, I'd do this. First, wait for him to go to sleep. Then move something (keys, sunglasses, a hat, whatever). Continue this with all kinds of things. He'll slowly start to think he's losing his mind. Do it more, but make sure not to get caught. Sooner or later he'll check himself into a mental hospital, making it so he can't effect you anymore.

Much as I like that idea I can't help but think there might be some guilt involved... Nah; I'm sure a marathon session of gaming will dull the pain.