Computer games ‘may be good for children’
A recently published result of a three-year study conducted by researchers from Brunei University on children who played web-based online role-playing games indicates that the pastime can be beneficial.
The study focused on the social development aspect of the children in the real and virtual world.
Researchers studying the 13-to-16 year-old gamers, said gaming may give young people vital lessons in learning about other races, the opposite sex and those with disabilities. Game playing also enhances, rather than restrict, children’s imagination.
Nic Crowe of Brunel’s School of Sport and Education said: “The appeal [of online role-playing games] lies in the provision of an environment in which young people can experiment with the cultural institutions and structures of the material world.”
“It is a space in which young people can establish their presence, identity and meaning in ways that might not be accessible or permissible in their everyday lives.”
Dr Simon Bradford, also from Brunel’s School of Sport and Education, said that computer games help children live their fantasy that they cannot fulfill in real life.
“We met many players taking part in online role-playing, sometimes to extend or to compensate for experiences in the real world.”
Online gaming also offers an avenue for children to experiment and demonstrate online entrepreneurial skills.
“We noted how entrepreneurial young players engaged in business deals online, experiencing positive opportunities often not open to them in the material world. At a time when emerging technologies such as the internet, and computer games continue to be subject to suspicion and concern, it is important we recognise the benefits of what is an increasingly important activity for our young people,” Dr Bradford added.
Related Posts:
