I’ve never been very big into video games, especially computer games. I held certain opinions about online gamers, many of which I have found to be untrue after I began dating one. I used to make assumptions about those “gaming nerds,” until I started to become one myself. Though everyone may not hold these views, the following are five misconceptions I had about online games and those who play them.

1. Most gamers are nerds who have no real friends.

This may sound a bit harsh, but this is a common stereotype in our society. Many people think of gamers as intelligent, yet single-minded computer geeks who lack adequate social skills. This however, is not the case. Though it is different from face-to-face communication, it certainly takes social skills to talk with people online. Online gaming is an opportunity to meet real people from a variety of locations and form friendships with them stemming from a common interest in gaming. Also, gamers like my boyfriend have other friends they get together with in person. They most likely have friends from work or school, just like anybody would. They do not spend all their time on their computer playing games with a bunch of random nerds who have zero social skills.

2. Gamers are lazy.

Yes, there are lazy gamers out there, but them being lazy has little to do with playing video games. In other words, just because you are a gamer does not mean you're lazy. Although my boyfriend and I enjoy playing video games, it is not the only thing we do together. We still get out and exercise. Just because you play video games doesn’t mean you can’t be healthy and active and enjoy a variety of activities.

3. It takes a lot of practice and dedication.

My boyfriend has been playing online games for a long time. I was inexperienced and knew nothing about games like Fallout 4 or World of Warcraft. I wasn’t willing to put in a lot of time or effort to get good at these games. However, I realized they weren’t as difficult as I thought. The controls are fairly simple, and a lot of the games are very similar; so once you learn the controls for one, you can utilize them in every other game you play. Many games have a variety of different options and settings which can be adjusted according to your skill level. A Blizzard Entertainment game called Heroes of the Storm, for example, has the option to either play against an AI (artificial intelligence) or to play against real people. There are several difficulty levels for each type of match, allowing you to play with people who are at a similar level. Another cool thing about Heroes of the Storm is that it is absolutely free to play. I play matches, level up, earn points, and unlock new characters without paying a penny. While some games and perks cost money, there are plenty of things you can do for free. Investing a lot of time and money into gaming is not necessary.

4. Gaming is a waste of time.

As mentioned previously, being a gamer does not mean you are on your computer 24/7. You can still have a social life and do other things. The time you do spend gaming, though, is not a waste. I thought of gaming as spending hours on end playing some stupid game in your room by yourself, but that is not it at all. It is an activity that you can have fun doing with your friends. Is playing a board game with your friends a waste of time? Is going to dinner and a movie a waste of your time? No, I don’t think these things are a waste of your time, and neither is playing a video game.

5. Video games are for kids.

I am practically an adult, and online gaming used to seem rather childish to me. I found it odd that grown men like playing games like World of Warcraft (WOW). WOW is a role-playing game that involves fictional characters including mythical creatures, wizards, dwarves, and elves. I felt that it was all a little silly, and I really couldn’t relate to it in any way. I realized, however, that it related quite well to my interests. Being an English and creative writing major, I like books and stories. I learned there is a whole story behind the game and behind each character in the game. I also found it relevant to my interest in art. I started drawing some of the characters from the game, and even began to create my own. I began to open my mind and use an imagination I thought had diminished along with my childhood. I realized I could have just as much fun in my adulthood.

I used to think gaming was silly and childish. I thought of most gamers as nerds with poor social skills. I assumed gaming required a lot of time and effort and saw it as a waste of my time. Once I gave it a chance, my attitude changed. There are many misconceptions about online gaming, but if you give it a chance, you may just surprise yourself. Maybe you already play online games and you love them, but maybe you’re like I was: you make assumptions about gaming and never really gave it a chance.Gaming might not be your thing (and there is nothing wrong with that), but you never know until you give it a try.