Spring Break
Video games improve students' social lives
Margaret Eaton
Issue date: 9/14/05 Section: News
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But students worldwide will be rejoicing with the results of a recent report that state video games and Internet role-playing games may actually be good for the social life of college students.
The study, sponsored by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, was intended to report on college students' use of video and computer games to determine how they impacted everyday life. The results were positive, saying the games do encourage social interactions with others.
"I disagree," said Jennifer Sandrick, senior zoology major. "I think all those people sitting in their rooms on their computers all the time need to get out and be social with those around them."
Though it was reported the games may be distracting from academics, playing the games was associated with positive feelings such as "pleasant" and "challenging."
"I think it depends on what you call a social life," said Nathan Rice, Bradley University 2004 graduate. "If you count sitting on your computer talking with a whole bunch of others whom you will probably never meet, then yeah, it's great. But if you're talking about actual face-to-face contact with other people then it probably doesn't help most people who play them."
Role-playing games, or RPGs, were some of the most common types of games looked at in the study. This particular genre of games has evolved tremendously in the past decade as computer and Internet technology has advanced.
Though the social consequences seem to be positive, online gaming may incur another kind of cost. Many games of this genre that used to be free to all users now charge a monthly fee for the privilege of playing. College students are notorious for not having a lot of money, but RPGs end up costing at least $60 the first month you buy them. The game itself must be purchased and they usually run about $30 to $50. There also is a fee to begin playing and a subscription fee in all the subsequent months.
However, if money is not a problem, college students are in luck; there is no shortage of places to buy or rent video games in Macomb. Game Stop, located on Jackson Street has a variety of new and used games available, including half a shelf of RPGs.
"The most popular (RPG) is definitely World of WarCraft," said Donny Moon, Game Stop store assistant.
Video games are also sold at Capitol Records on the Square and Wal-Mart on Jackson Street.
Regardless of possible costs, students can rest easy knowing that improving their social lives is as close as their computer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
jordan dopkins
posted 10/08/07 @ 12:23 PM CST
That is the most retarted thing ive ever heard. who ever wrote this should be taken out back and shot, but not a fatal wound let it break some ribs and tear through their chest and lungs, and let them bleed to death. (Continued…)
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