The only redeeming aspect I can see is the social context of such games as Mario Kart, which gives me an opportunity to yell obscenities and taunts at friends in a friendly environment. Computer games, even multiplayer games are spent in solitude. This association with solitude, and not getting out is what ties computer game aficionados with such labels as nerd or geek. Computer games themselves are not the problem then, they are simply a form of entertainment. Like any form of entertainment, they can be abused.
Life is a balancing act, requiring self restraint.
Oh, if you would like to defend nerds, ahem, computer game aficionados please write a responding article, I love to argue.