Liz Wheeler, a conservative commentator known for her outspoken views, sparked a heated debate on social media after publicly criticizing video gaming—one of the most popular hobbies among men. Wheeler’s controversial tweet claimed that playing video games is not only a “red flag” but a “dealbreaker” for many women, leading to an avalanche of reactions online.
Wheeler’s comment quickly went viral after she shared a meme, a bar graph, which humorously ranked video gaming as the least attractive hobby for men, above collecting figurines, magic tricks, and even online trolling. While she acknowledged the meme was a joke and not based on real data, Wheeler doubled down on her stance, suggesting that gaming is a turn-off for most women.
In a follow-up tweet, she clarified: “Obviously, we’re not talking about Pac-Man or Tetris here. I’m referring to the immersive, time-consuming games that can take up hours of a man’s day.” Wheeler’s criticism appeared to target more modern, long-form video games known for their ability to absorb time and attention.
The Internet Responds:
With gaming being a beloved pastime for millions, Wheeler’s comments ignited a storm of backlash. According to Statista, approximately 60 percent of Americans indulge in gaming regularly, making it clear why so many were quick to defend the hobby.
One male gamer tweeted, “That’s fine. We’d rather play video games than deal with modern women,” while another quipped, “But men don’t care about your list… lol.”
However, the pushback wasn’t just from men. Women gamers also weighed in on the debate, challenging Wheeler’s narrative. One woman tweeted: “I love playing games. Nothing wrong with video games in healthy doses. My partner and I play together—it’s a great way to unwind after a long day.”
Another woman wrote, “Gamers, please ignore her. I’d rather my man be at home playing games than out at a bar getting drunk any day of the week.”
Is Gaming Really That Unattractive?
Despite the backlash, Wheeler stood by her opinion, explaining in a livestream that her remarks were an “observation of human nature,” and that while some men and women might enjoy video games, many women don’t find excessive gaming attractive. However, she admitted that the meme led to one of the “most epic ratios” of her career, referring to the overwhelming response her tweet received in terms of critical comments versus likes.
Wheeler also emphasized that her comments weren’t intended as a personal attack, saying, “If you feel that I have somehow attacked your identity—well, that’s on you, because part of your identity is tied to video games.”
Her comments also touched on a broader debate about whether hobbies like gaming are compatible with a balanced and ambitious lifestyle. Wheeler reiterated that she wasn’t trying to dictate whether men should play video games, but rather observing that many women might find it unattractive when taken to an extreme.discussions and even controversies. The debate around video gaming as a hobby for men continues, with opinions varying greatly depending on individual values and lifestyles.
The Debate Continues:
While Wheeler remains firm in her beliefs, the larger conversation surrounding gaming and relationships remains unresolved. For many, gaming is a harmless hobby that brings people together and provides a form of stress relief. For others, it can be seen as a time-consuming distraction.
What’s clear is that personal preferences, especially when publicly expressed, can spark widespread discussions. The debate around whether video games are an “unattractive” hobby for men highlights how subjective and diverse views on leisure activities can be, particularly when it comes to gender dynamics.
In the end, hobbies are deeply personal, and what one person may find unappealing, another might cherish. And in the case of video gaming, it seems there are plenty of people—both men and women—who love it, no matter what others might say.
