The role of video game playing in adolescent life: Is there reason to be concerned?

One hundred fifty-one subjects from 10 to 20 years old were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward video game playing and its role in their lives. Concerns have been expressed in the public media that video game playing is addictive for youngsters and leads to excessive expenditures of time and money, poorer school performance, reduced involvement in sports, and less opportunity to develop social skills. The survey data did not support these contentions. Although approximately 10% of the subjects appeared to show some compulsive aspects in their play, no identifiable problems were correlated with the amount of time spent playing. For the great majority, video game playing was an enjoyable activity held in perspective with other aspects of their lives.