Computer game playing and social skills: a pilot study

Computer game playing is a popular leisure activity. However, there is little known about the longer-term effects that regular computer game playing could have on social development. A questionnaire study was conducted with 144 undergraduate students examining frequency of computer game playing behaviour against scores on the Social Situations Questionnaire designed to identify social inadequacy. Results showed that high frequency computer game players exhibited more social anxiety than low frequency game players. Possible explanations for this relationship are linked to high frequency computer game playing compromising the attainment of social skills during childhood and adolescence. Key words: computer games, social development, Social Situation Questionnaire

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