Henry Jenkins is among the most important theorists on digital culture today, and this post (within a larger series) covers the emerging gift economy (that contrasts with the commodity economy).
This is the scary view of the "virtual" world. It is the point when you know you are spending too much time online. Go outside! Go Hiking! Take someone to a restaurant! Spend your money on something TANGIBLE!
Nintendo has come out and is planning on releasing games which help to stimulate the parts of the brain which slowly deteriorate with age. This site addresses a few of the benefits gaming may have for not only children, but elderly as well!