According to the ESA, the average gamer is "33 years old and has been playing for twelve years" and the average buyer of video games is 38. So then, why do members of the mainstream media, as well as politicians (more here and here) continue to reference gaming as something akin to a child's toy? In the wake of the British Board of Film Classification again banning the controversial Manhunt 2, despite edits to tone down the game from its publisher, Newsweek's N'Gai Croal takes a look at "The Problem (and the Danger) of the continued Infantilization of Videogames".
posted by cmgonzalez on Oct 10, 2007 - 102 comments

With the success of its abstinence only educational programs aimed at teenagers, the federal government has taken aim at another age group. Some think that this is the brink of madness, but for others, it's probably an excuse to sell more jewelry.
posted by Bistle on Nov 30, 2006 - 59 comments

Adults are picking up instant messaging in record numbers, with 50% of those over 35 using various systems. This study was funded by AOL, which has a major stake in the instant messaging market through its popular AIM software. But most people who use IM in the workplace are still using free and unsecured systems, despite the availability of secure versions in enterprise software and products like IM Secure.
posted by etoile on Sep 2, 2004 - 8 comments

Clothing for the maturity challenged? Foreverakid.com is a Canadian site which offers "adult baby" clothing, for those "grown-ups" who still crave of feeling like toddlers or babies again (probably those former rebellious youngsters who finally realized adulthood sucks and want their childhood back). Everything from diapers to pajamas to sailor suits is all here. (Note: The site has a "18+" warning but there are only pics of adults in baby clothing - which still is weird enough to warrant a warning of some kind)
posted by betobeto on Jan 7, 2003 - 23 comments

Sticks, stones, and bullies A British Columbia teenager who bullied a classmate into committing suicide has been found guilty of uttering threats and criminal harassment in a case the victim's mother is calling (the) ruling "for every child." When childhood bullies become adults they are more likely to have criminal records - but will the threat of criminal charges at an earlier age deter bullies before the damage is done?
posted by hannahkitty on Mar 25, 2002 - 20 comments