Digital gaming has quickly become one of the most popular forms of screen media used by teenagers, and online games in particular have created new spaces for young people to socialize with their friends and peers. However, researchers have only recently begun exploring the social dynamics of gaming across different contexts and their implications on wellbeing. On one hand, some studies suggest a displacement effect, where engaging in social online video games corresponds with having smaller and less intimate offline circles. On the other hand, research has highlighted the role of gaming in establishing and maintaining connections among adolescents, supporting their social skills and overall happiness.
One critical aspect that could explain these different findings is the multifaceted nature of gaming as a social activity. Gaming involves a wide array of roles (e.g. player, spectator), types of interactions (e.g. in-game vs. outside of gameplay, brief vs. extended communication), and potential outcomes (e.g. social support, impact on relationships). Each of these dimensions are also influenced by demographic characteristics of the player, such as age, gender, and cultural background, as well as other individual factors such as motivations and skills. To fully understand the social impact of gaming, we should consider not only the quantity of time spent gaming but also the quality, context, and nature of these engagements.
In particular, this report focuses on how boys and girls may have different experiences with gaming, especially when it comes to relationships and social connection. Previous research has highlighted gender disparities in gaming experiences and perceptions, such as girls feeling less encouraged to play games than boys, that may contribute to different outcomes related to social wellbeing. Based on established behavioral tendencies and social dynamics, we would expect boys to be more individualistic and competitive in their video game play, while girls may favor more collaborative gameplay; these different styles of play may influence how teenagers form and maintain social connections through gaming experiences.