Though you all were already totally aware, it seems that the rest of the world is finally finding out that their image of the stereotypical gamer is mostly incorrect. Gamers aren't the shy, lonely geeks they think us to be.
An Australian study helps out our image. It says that only one percent of polled gamers in this study appeared to have poor social skills, specifically shyness.
"Our findings strongly suggest that gaming doesn't cause social problems, and social problems are not driving people to gaming," says psychology graduate Daniel Loton, from Victoria University.
Even though 15 percent of the polled adult gamers were identified as "problem gamers" who spend more than 50 hours a week playing games (mostly MMO players), even they weren't shy nerds. It's just that they'd rather be gaming!
"What is important to note is that even problem gamers did not exhibit significant signs of poor social skills or low self-esteem," said Loton.
Loton, who admitted that he has always played video games, spent the last two years conducting the study, which was based on mainly Australian and mainly male respondents, says Reuters.
I know that I'm not a shy, introverted geek that can't communicate with the outside world, even though I game about 30 hours a week. My co-workers here at Destructoid are the same way, as are most of the Destructoid community members I've met. Some of us are geeky, but we're defintely not shy! Why do you think the non-gaming world sees us as shy, lonely people?
Contest:
8:46 AM on 06.15.2008
| 
"NERDS!"
Am I a geek? Yes
Am I proud to be a geek? Hell yes!
Seriously though, my 'gamer' (for lack of a better word) friends and myself are some of the most animated and awesome people that I know. I don't really get how people say that gamers are bad with talking to people or anything of that nature.
It's also helped boost my self-esteem, it makes me feel more confident talking to someone if I know I can probably kick their ass in Guitar Hero. :3
Yet another "study" using surveys to poll individuals (because people never lie, right) put out by a self-serving, self-aggrandizing "scientist" with a self-interest in the subject matter doesn't mean that the results are accurate.
I really don't care if the results are accurate or not. What I do care about is people taking this kind of crap science as accurate when it fits their needs or agenda.
They pretend we are shy so they dont have to talk to us.
or not.
i dont know.
That reminds me, When the hell are any of you gonna have a NARP in Miami or at least South Florida? Just saying.
Personally, I'm more worried about the stereotype that gamers may "snap" and engage in the violent behavior from the games they play.
It's hard to say "Yeah I'm a stud that gets lots of chicks, loves sports, parties like a rock star AND will drop your jaw with my list of PSO rares" and not sound like a douche.
That being said:
I'm a stud that gets lots of chicks, loves sports, parties like a rock star AND will drop your jaw with my list of PSO rares.
*fist bump*
hmm ofcourse they said no..
:P
I allready posted the news at my c blog.
Basic human connections fill me with intense anxiety.
I feel uncomfortable grouping up in MMO's sometimes too.
I can't make a phone call without going through 15 minutes of hell before hand as I'm just to scared to even call someone I know.
Alas it seems that I am a walking stereotype, luckily no one in the outside world ever sees it so I guess I'm doing the community a service by staying inside.
anyway, i never did fit in. im like mental.
but i usually do ok talking with someone 1 on 1. but i dread ever going to the store or talking on the phone. i hate paying for gas because it requires that i actually "say" something to the clerk.
thank god for online shopping! am i right? lawl.
Nerds get all the hot chicks, especially if they're David Carradine's half-brother.
Also, "shy" and "lonely" are two very different things.
It's actually written very well, makes lots of good points about studies like these in general, and provides more practical advice than what you normally hear from mass media outlets. I'd highly recommend it to any worried parents of gamers. :3