A Pew study released Thursday found that while video games are a place for American teens to form friendships, they're also a place where the majority experience bullying and derogation.
Last fall's survey involved more than 1,400 teens ages 13 to 17 who answered questions about various aspects of their relationship with video games. You can expect some results. For example, the majority of U.S. teens (more than 85%) play video games.
However, other topics were less clear-cut and painted a more complex picture of how teens viewed their experiences. Study participants reported that video games were a way to have fun and make friends, although they also reported bullying, harassment, and name-calling. But despite these challenges, they said they wanted to keep playing, and that gaming also helped with problem-solving skills and mental health.
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Most teens said they played video games for fun or “entertainment reasons,” and about three-quarters said they played to spend time with other people. They said they did not think gaming was harmful to themselves or their lifestyle, although 40% said it had a negative impact on their sleep.
About 58% of respondents said they felt they played an appropriate amount of video games.
There were also clear differences between genders in how they responded to and engaged with video games.
Teenage boys play video games far more frequently than girls, with almost two-thirds playing games every day and the activity making up a large part of their social lives. More than half of teenage boys surveyed said video games helped them make friends, compared to 35% of girls.
Black and Latino teens are more likely than white teens to make friends, and that number jumps even higher for those who identify as gamers.
Despite forming many friendships, around half of male teenagers say they have been called an offensive name while playing, compared to one-third of female teenagers. reported the same thing. Eight in 10 said bullying in video games is a problem, and about a third of teens surveyed said it was a serious problem.
