A recent Pew survey revealed that video games are where U.S. teens form friendships, but also where a majority say they experience bullying and name-calling. Over 1,400 teens ages 13-17 participated in the survey, with more than 85% of them reporting playing video games. Despite the negative experiences of bullying and harassment, teens still found video games to be a source of fun and a way to make friends. They also mentioned that gaming helped with problem-solving skills and even their mental health.
The survey found that most teens play video games for fun or entertainment reasons, with around three-quarters saying they play to spend time with others. While they don’t see the games as harmful to themselves or their lifestyle, 40% mentioned that gaming affected their sleep. However, 58% of respondents felt they played the right amount of video games. There were also clear differences in how different genders engaged with video games, with teen boys playing far more often than girls, and almost two-thirds playing daily. Video games were reported to make up a large portion of social life for teen boys.
When it comes to forming friendships through video games, Black and Latino teens reported making friends at a higher rate than White teens, especially those who identified as gamers. The survey also revealed that around half of teen boys have been called offensive names while playing, with about a third of girls facing the same issue. Additionally, eight in 10 teens stated that bullying is an issue in video games, with about one-third considering it a major problem. Despite these challenges, teens continue to find value in video games as a source of entertainment, socialization, and personal growth.
Overall, the survey highlighted the dual nature of video games for teens, serving as a platform for fun, friendship, problem-solving, and mental health support, but also a space where bullying and name-calling are prevalent. The survey also shed light on the gender disparities in video game usage, with teen boys playing more frequently than girls and finding video games to be a significant part of their social lives. Race and ethnicity also played a role in how teens engaged with video games, with Black and Latino teens reporting higher rates of friendship-making through gaming. The survey’s findings indicate that while video games have benefits, there are also important challenges to address, particularly around bullying and offensive behavior within the gaming community.
