Study Shows Positive Effects Of Gaming For Teens
Anti video-game crusaders often like to mention the ‘countless studies’ that ‘prove’ the causal relationship between video games and violence (despite the fact that no studies ever claim to do so). That’s why it’s a ray of sunshine whenever a study comes out that gives some definitely positive arguments for the gamer side. A Pew Internet & American Life Project study has come out that illustrates not only how widespread gaming is, but many of its benefits.
The study of 1,102 youths aged 12-17 showed that ninety-seven percent of them play video games. The findings also shatter the image of the sad, isolate teenager brooding alone in his bedroom and playing video games as the vast majority of the youths surveyed reported playing games with friends or family some of the time. Unsurprising given that Guitar Hero and Dance Dance Revolution were the top #1 and #5 most frequently mentioned games when teens were listing their favorites.
While many would be discouraged by the fact that many teens, especially males, listed action titles (which almost always contain some level of graphic violence) as in their favorite titles, the fact that these teens aren’t all running into the streets, schools and shopping malls gunning down their peers shows that the violence-inducing effects some claim these titles to have is spurious. The positive effects were many however as teens reported considering moral questions and social issues while playing games.
It’s a 76-page PDF so this simply scratches the surface of the report. If you’re interested, check out the full write-up.