From the same joint study by the University of Wisconsin and the University of Illinois covered last month, CNN continues the discussion with researchers Constance Steinkuehler and Dmitri Williams that some video games (i.e. MMOs) may actually increase sociability via online networking. From the report: "To argue that MMO game play is isolated and passive media consumption in place of informal social engagement is to ignore the nature of what participants actually do behind the computer screen. In the case of MMOs, game play is more akin to playing five-person poker in a neighborhood tavern that is accessible from your own living room."In addition, CNN notes that while heavy play time can run the risk of having virtual relationships replace real-life ones, seeing MMO's as a bad thing is short-sighted. I knew that playing 80 hours of World of Warcraft each week might pay off.
[Thanks, Heith]
[Update 1: Fixed typo; referenced previous report with added context]
