Gamers are social, not solitary
The common perception that gamers are all social isolates has often been fostered by the media, but not so in a BBC article by Paul Rubens. Rubens article attacks the preconceived notions of playing video games and in turn equates them to traditional hobbies. He writes:
…over the years, video games have been blamed for everything from destroying marriages to turning balanced adults into murderers and rapists. At the very least, will video games produce a generation of unsociable hermits?
It’s a common misconception that gaming is a solitary activity, as today an increasing number of titles are for gamers to get together and play in turn. In this respect, it’s no different to golf - a game which can be a source of marital friction but is rarely accused of incitement to murder.
The article even brings to light the strong social network that online gaming can bring about. With VOIP technology and even photos of players common in most games these social networks are getting stronger and more real than ever. MCV deputy editor Tim Inghamis is quoted in saying:
There’s now a massive social aspect to online gaming… You can share the camaraderie of gaming with others even when you are in your own bedroom, because gaming networks enable you to speak to the people you are playing with.
While having an online friend base is fine Rubens also takes the time to stress that gaming can have a positive effect in the real world.
…school or work friendships often revolve around shared interests and experiences, and talking about Master Chief’s latest discovery or tactic is no different to discussing the weekend’s football results…
Dr. Mark Griffiths cites studies that indicate moderate gamers have a larger circle of friends than non gamers and that gamers are likely to be better at sports and other social activities due to increased reaction time and coordination.
via GamePolitics
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