University study debunks antisocial stereotypes

Nottingham Trent University researchers will publish a paper on the social interactions of Massively Multiplayer Online players in an upcoming issue of the peer reviewed journal CyberPsychology and Behavior. The renowned UK educational institution released some preliminary data from the study in a press statement today (August 15, 2007.)

Almost one thousand gamers participated in the study from across the globe and, not surprisingly, the most popular MMO was World of Warcraft, with nearly fifty percent of the participants identifying the game as their favorite. Among the more surprising findings of the study was the fact that “Females were significantly more likely than males to be attracted to other players, and were far more likely to go on to date them.” Also debunked were the traditional notions that gamers neglected ties to family and friends:

Professor Mark Griffiths, from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Social Sciences, said: “This study has revealed many aspects of MMORPGs that were not known before. Previous research has suggested that gamers are socially inactive, but MMORPGs are actually extremely social games, with high percentages of gamers making life-long friends and even partners.”

He added: “As well as making good friends online, 81% of gamers play with real-life friends and family, suggesting MMORPGs are by no means an asocial activity, nor are the players socially introverted.

It’s good to have real academic evidence on this, but I think most players already know that gaming is an incredible social experience. Articles in journals will support the already accurate the “eyeball demographic” that titles this post courtesy of Wagner James Au, competent Second Life blogger at New World Notes. Games like Second Life are pretty much nothing but social interaction, albeit virtual.

So, no, I don’t live in my grandmother’s basement. I live upstairs because she had hip replacement surgery last month, and the stairs bother her. Also, I have lots of friends and an uber hot girlfriend on WoW whose name is JollyRancher87. Respect.

Read [Nottingham Trent University] ] Also Read [New World Notes]