Video games may enhance sociability [update 1]

by Blake Snow { Sep 7th 2006 at 9:45AM }

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]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Robotochan @ Sep 7th 2006 9:49AM

In the last line it's "Week" not "Weak" :)

Wasn't there just another study on this?

J B Cougar @ Sep 7th 2006 9:53AM

So that's why my former roommate never left his room. He was being sociable!

32_Footsteps @ Sep 7th 2006 9:56AM

I can't say I'm surprised. Granting some anonymity, I'm involved in an organization outside of video gaming that has seriously suggested holding meetings in WoW. I'm convinced it's simply because the head of my section always wants to plan raids rather than what the organization is actually doing.

Mojorisin @ Sep 7th 2006 10:04AM

That's one of my better pictures of me and my IBM XT.

Brandon @ Sep 7th 2006 10:21AM

I can't tell if that's a man or a scar upon the face of the earth.

Pal @ Sep 7th 2006 10:27AM

I like to play RPGs alone!

Zero_ @ Sep 7th 2006 11:02AM

That is the coolest picture I've ever seen in my entire life.

Nigeria @ Sep 7th 2006 7:00PM

Is that Blake?

Gary @ Sep 7th 2006 2:45PM

I've always liked that picture...It's better than the story itself!

phatfish @ Sep 7th 2006 12:29PM

Damn! His parents have nice wood cladding in their basement. I wish my parents would renovate ours, the moss on the wall next to my desk smells funny :/