Video games are notably helping teenagers develop problem-solving skills, build friendships, and even improve mental health, according to a new Pew Research Center study.
Conducted to over 1,400 US teens aged 13 to 17, the survey noted that at least 72% view playing video games as a "social experience" to interact with peers over shared interests.
In turn, these interactions help 56% of the young players hone their problem-solving skills, 47% say it helped them build relationships easier, and 41% boast better cooperation with others.
The biggest direct negative impact many teens noted from playing video games is fewer hours of rest and sleep at 41%.
The survey results are a big contrast from previous hints at video games' negative impact on teenagers' social skills.
Bullying Remains a Problem on Online Gaming Community, Survey Finds
While younger generations have a more positive look towards video games, the same cannot be said about the surrounding online communities.
Over 80% of the teens surveyed believed bullying and online harassment remain a huge problem in the gaming community, especially for younger people.
At least 41% of the respondents admitted to receiving hurtful comments themselves when playing online.
The survey results reflect growing behaviors in the gaming community as evidenced by the recent "Gamergate 2.0," a targeted harassment campaign against gaming journalists, women, and minorities.
The first "Gamergate" incident occurred around 2014 and 2015 as a vocal minority in the community, mainly from 4chan, launched harassment campaigns against female developers and feminist movements in the gaming industry.
It is worth noting that most online harassment occurs on social platforms rather than on the games themselves.
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Video Games Becoming More Inclusive
Despite pitfalls and controversies in the gaming community, the survey noted a more inclusive environment regardless of gender or race.
Male teens remain the dominant audience and consumers of the gaming world, although girls have started growing in numbers as games become more accessible to everyone.
Black (55%) and Hispanic (53%) Americans are also noted to have surpassed White teens (43%) in making friends online through gaming platforms.
