Why does the internet always have to find something to make a big fuss about? I’ve been stepping away from these really negative takes from people online as of recent, and I must say, my enjoyment playing video games has gone up ten-fold.

Speaking of which: I just got out of a 12hr gaming session of the ROM hack Super Mario: Star Road. It’s so much fun!! Already through 83 stars. Cannot recommend it enough! It takes what Mario 64 laid, and builds an experience far more polished, challenging, and just… fun.

It's social media that's the problem; the algorithm is geared to promote whatever drives the most clicks/eyeballs, and unfortunately that means the toxic, edgy, divisive and hateful takes get boosted to the top because it gets clicks from both those who agree with it and want to join in on the dogpiling, and those who are offended that something they like is getting bashed and jump in to defend it.

The end result is that our feeds are full of non-stop negativity and trolling. Tons of personalities even make a whole career out of being grifters who just hate on things obsessively.

It's best to just unplug from it as much as you can and focus on what you enjoy.

People will whine and complain about literally anything. I've learned that in my nearly 40 years on earth, and 25 on the internet.

I've cut off 85% of my social media I've used over the last 20 years. Trust me, it's one of the best things you'll ever do for yourself mentality. Not counting occasional usage on here, I'm down to Messenger with a handful of peeps, an "official/professional" Twitter, and a more incognito Twitter - neither of which I use much. Disconnect from the toxic Matrix. Social media brings far more negatives than positives.

I do not use social media, unless these kind of sites are included.

^ this.

Stay off of social media and the internet is a much better place.

The irony is that… the most negative/cynical takes I come across actually come from this site. Everyone on ResetEra and X seem to always be super hyped up and positive about everything releasing— the latter is a result of intentionally crafting my feed in such a way.

I know there are a handful of trolls and console warriors on this site, but it’s easy enough to identify them and ignore them.

That said, I would warn against placing yourself in an echo chamber. Exposing yourself to opposing points of view is healthy. Some of the people on this forum I respect the most wholly disagree with my gaming tastes. And I disagree with their preferences. But that’s what keeps this place lively :)

And I completely agree with the other posters about turning off social media once in a while, or altogether. Don’t hide from the truth, necessarily, but don’t go searching for outrage either.

Get into retro. Nothing like a real SNES, a CRT, OEM controller and carts. When you turn off the lights and sit down to play something like Chrono Trigger or Super Metroid, you're not just stepping away, you're stepping back in time. You're completely dropping out. Completely detached. It's a great escape. Nay, the greatest escape.

Ooh yes!! This is something I can really resonate with ever since I’ve started emulating older games on PC. So many fun games to visit that I’ve never played before… NSMBWii and Mario 64: Star Road are the two most recent for me.