Just thought I’d share something I thought was pretty interesting. I have a mother in law who is… well let’s just say she’s a stereotypical older mom who doesn’t own a computer, just an iPad. During the pandemic, she started getting into Nintendo games and bought herself a Switch. Fast forward a few years later and she’s interested in getting a Steam Deck, since one of her “mom groups” told her about some pandemic inspired games, similar to Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing that are only available on Steam.

When it comes down to it, she doesn’t care about her computer, she just wants to play computer games in a way that’s easy and accessible for her. We’ll be getting her a Steam Deck for her birthday, which in my opinion is just super neat. Even PC gaming is becoming extremely accessible, and it’s a fantastic time to be a gamer.

  • some_guy
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    13711 months ago

    It’s cringe af and totally reinforces the “gamer” stereotype. We can do better.

    • Gamma
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      8911 months ago

      IMO it’s up there with calling people npcs

      • @acastcandream@beehaw.org
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        11 months ago

        NPC’s is worse to be honest. It’s generally used to attack people’s social/political values and call them “sheeple” without using the term. Normie is gross but it’s mainly just dismissive and having too high an opinion of one’s own taste/interests.

        Ultimately it’s cringe as hell to say either lol

        • Die4Ever
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          2311 months ago

          Normie is gross but it’s mainly just dismissive and having too high an opinion of one’s own taste/interests.

          Really? I always thought it was supposed to be self deprecating, like saying “people who aren’t fucking weirdos like myself”

        • @SkepticElliptic@beehaw.org
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          1711 months ago

          NPCs is ten times worse because it is used to dehumanize people you don’t agree with, further alienates you away from normal society and pushes you deeper into cult like thinking.

        • @NightOwl@lemmy.one
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          811 months ago

          Maybe there should be a contest to see who can come up with the most cringe worthy label.

        • @acastcandream@beehaw.org
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          11 months ago

          Meh cringe can be effective as a descriptor, but it’s cringe to call people cringe as a personal attack. I’ve described situations as very “cringe-inducing.”

          • TwilightVulpine
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            711 months ago

            Cringe is a thing, but it’s way too common that people use their own self-consciousness as an excuse to try to shame people who are just enjoying themselves on their own corner.

            • @acastcandream@beehaw.org
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              11 months ago

              Most definitely. I’m more distinguishing it from calling someone an NPC, which has no valid use  other than to dismiss or denigrate.

    • @Wanderer@lemm.ee
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      1911 months ago

      “We can do better” or worse “X do better” is more cringe.

      It’s just everyone judging everyone like they are worthless. Maybe people want to be part of the group maybe they have an identity with hardcore gamers. They don’t need to do better that’s their right.

      • some_guy
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        11 months ago

        What hobby group was I referring to exactly?

        Because I don’t think gamers are a hobby group any more than tv watchers are a hobby group.

        Or do you think maybe I meant “we” as a collective for the people in this thread?

        🤔

    • @chaorace
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      211 months ago

      We can do better.

      I’m guessing “wrong-sider” would be a step in the wrong direction?