Parents worried that their children spend too much time in front of their computer can breathe easier. A new study has found online gaming is not so bad after all, helping youngsters build friendships and develop social skills.
The Chinese University study found that making friends online can help boost self-esteem and increase one's satisfaction with life. The effects it brought were similar to those of making friends in other aspects of life, although the researchers noted that real-life friendships were usually closer and more secure.
Children might be more prone to showing their true selves and sharing their deepest secrets online, as their identity remains anonymous, said Dr Angel Leung Nga-man of the university's psychology department. 'Online friendship is therefore especially useful to those who are extremely shy or introverted - those who have difficulties making friends in real life,' she said.
Online games encouraged teamwork through which cyber friendships could be built and enhanced, the research found. 'For example, a team of players might attack the different body parts of a monster,' said Leung. 'If they kill the monster, they can advance to the next level together.' She said the research showed this kind of teamwork had positive effects on youngsters.
Leung said although it was normal for children to play online games for one to two hours a day, playing too much could adversely affect their academic results. English was the subject most affected by online game playing, the research showed.
Leung and her colleagues interviewed 626 Primary Five and Six pupils from four schools between November last year and February.