Teens, Video Games, and Civics

Pew Internet and American Life released a new study which shows that nearly all (97%) American teens play computer, console, or cell phone games, and that they allow for significant social interaction and civic engagement. This is the first national study of this kind and included a survey of 1,102 teens aged 12-17. Key findings include:

• Fully 97% of teens ages 12-17 play computer, web, portable, or console games.
• 50% of teens played games “yesterday.”
• 86% of teens play on a console like the Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii.
• 73% play games on a desktop or a laptop computer.
• 60% use a portable gaming device like a Sony PlayStation Portable, a Nintendo DS, or a Game Boy.
• 48% use a cell phone or handheld organizer to play games.
• 65% of game-playing teens play with other people who are in the room with them.
• 27% play games with people who they connect with through the internet.
• 82% play games alone, although 71% of this group also plays with others.
• 47% of teens play online games with people they know in their offline lives.

If you're wondering why your library might want to try a gaming event, this is an interesting read.