Why is gaming a social stigma?

I find it astounding how games are still tarnished with the same nerdy stereotype.

How come in society why is it nerdy to say 'I'm playing the xbox' but to say 'I'm watching a movie' is perfectly acceptable.

When will be gaming become an equally respected medium of media consumption?

Also, I always get the impression that it's a big no no with most girls. It's odd. Surely we should be embracing these technological advances and enjoying these immersive experiences which are far more user interactive than movies yet are still a kind of 'guilty pleasure'.

Discuss

I wouldn't say that the stereotype really exists anymore. Games have become too mainstream for it to continue to exist. Even women, who were probably the last stronghold of "games are for children and losers", have now begun to embrace gaming with the Wii. Given another 10 years max (probably more like five) I think video games are going to be on par with movies, television, and music.

I'd say it's not, really, anymore.

Thanks to the Sims, World of Warcraft and the Wii games have gone almost completely mainstream and I expect them to be every bit as common and popular as mainstream movies in about a decade.

All my freinds know i game and accept it.

Maybe where you live is differnt, but to me, gaming is accepted