Educational Games Research

Study: Internet Socializing Important for Teen Development

The MacArthur Foundation released a study indicating teens’ online socialization skills are nurtured and developed through exposure to social sites and other online places where socializing may occur such as in massively multiple online role playing games (MMORPGs). On the other hand, the study found teens are not using Internet resources to their full potential for scholastic purposes. But, teens do engage heavily in “peer-based, self-directed learning online” in topics that interest them.

The study lasted three years, included 800 subjects, and 5000 hours observation of online behavior. The research was led by Mizuko Ito over at UC Irvine. The New York Times reported on the study here. The executive summary can be found here.

References:
Lewin, T. (2008, November 18). Teenagers’ internet socializing not a bad thing. The New York Times. [Online]. Retrieved November 23, 2008 from: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/20/us/20internet.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

Tags: Mizuko Ito, UC Irvine

MMORPGs, MacArthur Foundation, New York Times, Research, Surveys | John Rice | November 23, 2008 8:43 am

5 Comments

By Eric W, November 30, 2008 @ 9:50 pm

As much as I agree with socialization online being a good thing, I have to disagree to a certain point. I myself, hitting the internet in the early 2000’s could be someone that says they’ve benefited from the use of early forums such as UBB, Ezboards, etc for interaction. I’ve also had the experience of modding and administrating forums in recent years, and I’m not sure that teens are really benefiting anymore from this kind of interaction. I’ve seen many, many times where addiction is occurring and teenagers are not getting out with their “In real life” friends. They instead chose to stay home and chat with online friends, which I will say is a poor substitute. There loosing the face to face interaction that is valuable for further development. I would hope to a certain point that parents get involved in these situations, but this cannot be guaranteed anymore. I believe were facing a slippery slope with this method, one that cannot end well.
By Anthony A, December 1, 2008 @ 2:34 pm

This article was very interesting- great post. I have read a few scholarly articles touching on this subject. This is the first article I have read that went into this much detail on social implications, rather than solely educational. If you are a proponent of education reform, then this article is a “must-read.” Since most of us are educators in some form or another, it is important to integrate technology in a way that will be useful and effective. The focus is too often on technology working for the educator rather than working for student.
By Stemulite, December 4, 2008 @ 2:55 pm

I must say I’m surprised they needed 800 subjects and 5000 hours of observation to draw that conclusion.
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