Video Games Are Not Socially Isolating
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Abstract
Since their popularization, video games have developed a reputation for being antisocial spaces. However, this is somewhat contrary to the wealth of social opportunities and functions which contemporary gaming offers, as well as what much of the research in the area suggests. This chapter will outline the key claims and draw on research findings from the academic literature, in order to debunk much of these anecdotal and old-fashioned conceptualizations of what gaming is and who gamers are. This will include a discussion of the various ways in which gaming can be experienced socially, the effects of social play, and how these effects may vary depending on the specific type of game and context of play.
Keywords
Video games violence social skills social learning well-beingReferences
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