Teens, Video Games and Civics
While research and discussion about video games typically revolve around the negative impact virtual violence may have on our youth, the latest study conducted by the Pew Internet & American Life Project (pdf) suggests that gaming can strengthen civic behavior. The first national survey of its kind finds that playing video games is commonplace, with 97percent of teens aged 12-17 playing games and at least half of them playing games on any given day.
The study took a closer look at the role gaming has in eight civic outcomes, ranging from interest in politics to taking part in protest marches. And, surprisingly, the quantity of game play is not strongly or consistently related to most civic outcomes, but a strong correlation exists for some specific qualities of game play.
While there is little evidence to suggest that simply playing video games might be related to active civic participation among teenagers, the context in which games are played and the style or characteristics of game play are significant indicators, according to the findings of this study.
Teens with the most "civic gaming experiences" – those primarily playing games that feature elements of "civic or political activities, helping others and debating ethical issues" – were found to be significantly more likely to participate in civic activities than their peers. Likewise, teens that play videos in the company of their friends instead of alone, as well as those contributing to game-related discussion forums or helping other gamers online, turned out to be more likely to live a more vibrant civic and political life.
With the enormous popularity video games have today, Joseph Kahne of Civic Engagement Research Group and co-author of the report says: "We need to focus less on how much time kids spend playing video games and pay more attention to the kinds of experiences they have while playing them."
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I dont think there is any positive affect of video games no matter what studies show. It is a hobbies or younger kids and teens just like playing on the computer or playing board games its something seen as fun not educational of a quality builder.
i disagree with u and do belive thier is a postive effect in video games. Videos games, just like everything else, have a postive effect and a neggative effect. To me, the only negative effect is it produces is more laziness instead of kids playing outside. its postive effect is for one it keeps kids safe at home instead of being outside doing drugs and crime. I belive it also produces better reflexes and mental thinking. for an example " just like playing on the computer or playing board games", last time i check the game of chess is a board game; that game teaches to use stradegy and crtical thinking to out smart your opponent. Just like any challenging shooting/violence video game. Therefore there is some postive effect from video games
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