In the ongoing debate on the pros and cons of video games, one study presented its findings on the optimal amount of time a child should play video games. According to the BBC, experimental Pscyhologist Andrew Przybylski conducted the study by surveying 5,000 participants between the ages of 10 and 15–75% of which played video games daily.
Dr. Pryzbylski asked the participants to measure how long they played video games as well as factors such as how well they interacted with peers, how well they were able to stay attentative, and how they felt overall about life. What he found was that participants who played video games for a small amount of time daily–specifically an hour–were most likely to feel adjusted with their lives. However, those who played video games for three hours or more were more likely to feel unadjusted.
While it’s easy to point towards the old adage about everything in moderation, Pryzbylski offers a surprising, yet logical, alternative explanation. “Being engaged in video games may give children a common language,” explained Pryzbylski, “and for someone who is not part of this conversation, this might end up cutting the young person off.”
This makes sense, as it’s a similar reason to why most people keep up with sports, the latest comic book movie or even the weather. Not every game will provide enough opportunities for ice-breakers, so Pryzbylski will next study the specific genres of video games that encourage children to socialize. And remember: everything, even gaming, in moderation.
[ BBC News ]