Study: Computing and Games are Good for Kids!

[Orz]

It's nice to see some contrary opinions to the generally-accepted 'common knowledge' that technology and gaming are universally bad for development. The latest comes in the form of a comprehensive study of 800 teenagers regarding their cellphones, iPods, computers, and video games. The conclusion? The more time these kids spent using this technology, the more socialized they became.

From the Globe and Mail article (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081125.wldigital25/BNStory/Technology/home):

"We are witnessing the biggest leap in adolescent freedom since the invention of the car," said C. J. Pascoe, another Digital Youth Project researcher. "Teens can escape their parents' control. And that makes adults a little bit scared. But they should know that kids are doing online what they've done offline for decades."

Online communities such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube serve the same organizing function as mall parking lots a decade ago or soda shops during the 1950s, according to the researchers.

Now, as then, parents are trying to keep kids away from those hubs. Web filters and nanny-ware have been touted as a way of limiting where and when children can navigate online.

But just as teens of yore ducked out the back window, they are today stepping around digital barriers.

A very interesting study, that raises some intriguing arguments.

[Ozena]

Of course it's helping. The world is very quickly becoming a technology dependent society, if it's not already to some extent. Being able to use this technology, especially in connecting with others, is an essential skill in my opinion.

The next thing will be Judgement Day. It'd be cool to Facebook through a T-101 though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/science_squid/skynet-terminator-727080.jpg

[MasterEvilAce]

My little sister who is ~9 plays games all the time. (Educational games, fun games, etc) She gets bored in class because they're teaching things she already knows. She also happens to be AMAZING at art. (Hand eye coordination, eh??). Her art in class always wins any sort of competition. She has amazing use of colors, shadows and details that I would have never thought to do. She's brought home stuff that other kids have done as well (group projects, etc.).. and I have to say they lack creativity and attention to detail.

I'm pretty much settled on the idea that games at a young age are essential.

[DingBat]

So, how come no one is here crying bullshit the way it's done when there's an article criticizing the effects of games?

Just askin'