From Oscilloscopes to Online Worlds: The Invention and Impact of Video Games

Throughout modern history, there have been few technologies that have evolved as drastically as video games. What began as small, scientific experiments in labs has transformed into a multi-billion dollar global industry that influences entertainment, communication, education and culture alike. Today, when most people think of video games, they probably think of multiplayer experiences, expansive open worlds or esports tournaments. However, how video games came to be was far more simpler and more experimental too. 

Cathode Ray Tube Device (1947)

The first known interactive electronic game was created in 1947 by physicist Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr and Estle Ray Mann. Together they created the Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device, which was inspired by radar technology used during World War II. The device let players control a beam of light on the screen to simulate launching missiles at targets. Despite this being a game, it was never mass produced, nor was it created with the intentions of starting an entertainment revolution. Rather, it simply served as an early demonstration that electronic systems could be entertaining and interactive.

Tennis for Two (1958)

Tennis for Two was created at Brookhaven National Laboratory in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham. Again, his goal wasn't that of profit or fame. William simply wanted to make the science exhibition more interactive for visitors. The game was simple. It displayed a glowing dot that bounces back and forward across an oscilloscope screen, controlled by two players. Though it was only temporary, it demonstrated that computers could create shared, competitive experiences. 

Spacewar! (1962)

In 1962, Steve Russel along with other MIT students created Spacewar!, which is widely considered to be one of the first "true" computer video games. Unlike previous inventions, Spacewar! actually spread across university networks and eventually inspired programmers around the country. It marked the moment when video games began to shift away from lab experiments and towards a cultural phenomenon.

Pong (1972)

1972 was the real commercial breakthrough. That year Nolan Bushell co-founded Atari and released Pong. Pong was extremely simple. There was two paddles and a bouncing ball. Despite this, the game became a massive success in arcades. For the first time ever, video games proved that they can be profitable. This moment laid the foundation for the global gaming industry we know today.

The impact of video games has long extended past that of entertainment. Economically speaking, the gaming industry alone generates billion of dollars annually. It also provides millions of jobs worldwide. Major companies such as Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft have built entire divisions around gaming. Competitive esports tournaments also fill arenas and attract global audiences.

Socially speaking, video games have changed how people communicate. Online multiplayer games allow people across different countries to collaborate, compete, and form communities in real time. Things like voice chat, digital teamwork, and online identity have become normalized through gaming spaces. You could say that in many ways, gaming helped prepare society for broader digital interaction.

Educationally and technologically, video games have pushed advancements in graphics processing, artificial intelligence, and simulation design. Things used to train professionals like, flight simulators, military training programs and medical practice software all rely on principles first refined through gaming technology. Some research also suggests that games can help with skills like, problem solving, spatial reasoning and reaction time.

It's amazing to think that something I play everyday originated from a glowing dot on a radar screen. What is now a big form of entertainment was once just experiments in curiosity,

Ted Talks

Personally, many of these issues don's effect me significantly at all. Growing up with technology I've already accepted much of what was talked about. I can see how some data tracking can be seen as a complete violation of privacy. But I can also see the benefits as well. I also have little to hide. If my data being tracked can help with anything, I don't mind at all. And rather than worry about my privacy being leaked, I've come to accept that if that does happen, there'd be little to nothing I could do about. So in that sense, all I can do is trust in the companies handling my data and hope it doesn't get leaked. 

As for constant surveillance and digital privacy, I think it's every person's right to be able to look things up without someone watching them. Of course there are unfortunately people out there who will look up absurd things like "How to dispose of a body?" In cases like that, I think it's important for those people to monitored. Unfortunately, I cant see a way to monitor the "bad" people while leaving the "good" people to enjoy their privacy. It's simply impossible. Again, it's unfortunate, but in today's age, it's the way of life.

As for the non-consensual sharing of private images, it's easy to understand how this could ruin somebody's life and future. Personally, I wouldn't dare to send any inappropriate images of myself to anyone, no matter how close they are to me for this reason alone. So in that sense, this problem doesn't affect me at all. However, it's still a problem that I believe should have larger consequences. For something that could potentially ruin someone's life, a simple fine is nowhere near enough of a punishment. 

I believe that the government should enforce stronger data privacy laws. There should be clear limits on how long companies and law enforcement can store data, stricter requirements for warrants, and serious consequences for companies or individuals who misuse personal information. Laws addressing online harassment and image abuse should also be enforced consistently, with support systems for victims.

As for ourselves, we can begin with being cautious with what we post online. We can use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, reviewing privacy settings on social media and again, being careful when posting photos or location details. We could also do a quick search on how social media platforms use our data.

Stable Change ( aka Safety Valve) — see Benedict Spinoza, Tractatus-Theologico Politicus - And Why it's Important to me

Stable Change ( aka Safety Valve) — see Benedict Spinoza, Tractatus-Theologico Politicus - And Why it's Important to me




Throughout my time in school, it has become clear to me that throughout time, there has been the debate of whether allowing citizens to express their anger and frustration could have harmful effects on society or even weaken it as a whole. After a quick search on the web, I have found that the Safety Valve Theory of free expression is a great answer to this question. Benedict de Spinoza argued that suppressing the thoughts of the people only created resentment and instability, while open expression allowed for grievances to surface before they could erupt into violence. As someone who lives in the US, this theory is put to the test time and time again.

Essentially, the Safety Valve Theory suggests that allowing people to vent their frustrations publicly would reduce the likelihood of any violent rebellions or outbursts. If citizens can freely criticize leaders, protest policies or express their displeasure with things, they release pressure that could otherwise turn into something violent or explosive. The theory also suggests that the government would benefit from hearing the people's frustrations because it would help them monitor dissatisfied groups who might are teetering on the line of rebellion.

Several events have illustrated this dynamic pretty well. According to the First Amendment Encyclopedia, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the idea that free expression functions as a stabilizing force, noting that citizens who can voice their displeasure peacefully are less likely to resort to violence. This judicial recognition reflects the belief that open protests are not a threat to democracy but a mechanism that protects it.

Recent events covered by the news also show how suppressing speech can backfire. A report from July, 2025 by Jacob Mchangama titled, From Safety Valve to Pressure Cooker, argued that silencing citizen dissatisfaction often fueled extremism rather than containing it. Basically, when people feel unheard, they may end up turning to radicalization, conspiracy networks or secretive organizations. Knowing this, censorship ends up creating an even bigger problem from a manageable one.

Recent events highlight the stakes of this as well. After the death of Charlie Kirk, the USA Today interviewed experts and they responded by warning that restricting controversial speakers in response to violence would only embolden extremists and undermine free expression. This argument aligned with the Safety Valve Theory. Essentially, if institutes stray away from free speech, they only create a space where grudges arise.

This is actually what Spinoza feared would happen. In the Tractatus, Spinoza argued that suppressing free speech doesn't get rid of dispute, it simply drives is underground where it worsens. Be believed that a government that allowed criticism was wise and not weak. It allows for them to gain insight into how the people feel, which in turn, allows them to identify emerging threats early and to create a firm belief where disagreement is normal and not criminal.

Today, the Safety Valve Theory is more relevant than ever. Social media allows for people to express their feelings from anywhere. However, the solution remains the same. Do not silence dispute but allow it to be an open, lawful expression. When people can speak freely, they feel seen. When they feel seen, they are less likely to lash out.

Top 5 Sources of News

 My Top 5 Sources of News and Information - Blog Spot #1

1. TikTok 

I get the majority of my news through several TikTok accounts. I follow some larger accounts like Daily Mail, but I do not follow most of the accounts I get my information from. I simply trust my for you page to provide me with news and it delivers every time. I usually hear about news anywhere from minutes to a few hours after it is published thanks to my algorithm. By liking the several news videos I come across I am kept in the loop and able to receive news in a timely manner. 

2. Instagram

I get a lot of my news from Instagram as well. Just by opening the app I am usually greeted with some form of news with varying levels of importance. Some big accounts post announcements of famous people's deaths. Depending on how significant the news is, I'll see multiple posts about it from different accounts. Because I follow so many accounts, there is always news concerning different topics. So, one day I might be scrolling and receive heavy political news, while another day I could receive lots of gaming news.

3. YouTube

YouTube is where I primarily get news about gaming and upcoming shows and movies. Gaming channels like IGN, provide trailers for upcoming games. More specific channels provide news for their respective games, like Acheron Impact, who specifically covers Honkai Star Rail news. Channels like Netflix and HBO provide me with trailers to their upcoming series and movies, so I am always on the lookout for those. On occasion, a video from a channel I am not subscribed to will appear and I'll watch it if it seems interesting enough. 

4. Bing

I originally downloaded Bing on my phone to redeem Xbox reward points. However, after accidently leaving my notifications on, Bing now provides me with timely news. I rarely click on the notifications themselves, but I do read what they say. If the topic interests me enough then I'll read the article or look up the topic on another platform. 

5. Apple News

Similarly to Bing, I do not actively watch or ready Apple News. I simply get the notifications through my phone and read the topic there. Again, if it is of interest to me, then I'll click the notification and read the attached article.