It’s official – nearly all kids play video games

A new survey from the Pew Internet and American Life project shows nearly all young males and females in the United States play video games, but not necessarily of the same variety. And two-thirds say they play with friends, while merely 25% say they play

A new survey from the Pew Internet and American Life project shows nearly all young males and females in the United States play video games, but not necessarily of the same variety. And two-thirds say they play with friends, while merely 25% say they play over the internet.

Pew senior research Amanda Lenhart says the research breaks the stereotype that gamers are typically loners. “It shows that gamers are social people. They communicate just as much. They spend time face-to-face, just as much as other kids. They email and text.”

Lenhart also emphasis findings that indicate children who play video games socially are more likely to be committed to civic participation.

Carnegie Mellon University entertainment technology professor Jesse Schell says the research will help quash unfounded rumours that video games hinder development.

“If more parents would take the time to play the same things their children are playing, or even better, play with them, it would benefit both parents and children,” he says.

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