A new study published by Twitch challenges many of the long-held stereotypes of gamers and shows that gamers may lead more social lives than their non-gaming peers.
The study compiles data from an online survey ran by LifeCourse Associates in March 2014. It reveals a number of statistics that contrast the lifestyles of gamers and non-gamers. The survey polled over 1200 people, who were then classified as "gamers" if they had played a video game in the last 60 days. The questions asked in the survey fell into one of two areas: social interactions and digital behavior.
The report shows that, among the people polled:
- 57% of gamers think that their friends are the most i mportant parts of their lives, as opposed to 35% of non-gamers;
- 67% of gamers feel positively about their career aspirations, while only 48% of non-gamers feel positively;
- 45% of gamers feel that they are working in the career they desired, as opposed to only 37% of non-gamers;
- 76% of gamers believe that it is important to have a positive impact on society, contrasted with only 55% among non-gamers;
- 61% of gamers use tablets, while only 29% of non-gamers do.
A section of the study also details how gamers are increasingly turning to online platforms to be social, and, according to the report, "[Twitch] is the social platform where they gather."
It is important to note, however, that the study does not imply that gaming causes any of these results, simply it shows that gamers are more likely to be optimistic, successful, etc.
However, the results still reflect the monumental shift toward digital media our society is undergoing, and this report argues that gamers are at the forefront of the change. "Gaming offers a road map for who we are becoming and where society is going," the study states. "It's time that perceptions of gamers moved past tired stereotypes and were recalibrated to reflect this much richer reality."
Twitch has exploded in popularity in recent years, in February becomin g the 4th-most visited website. It has acquired 45 million monthly users and 1 million active streamers. In May, rumors arose that Youtube was planning to acquire Twitch for $1 billion, but neither Twitch nor Youtube has officially announced the deal.
| Alex Newhouse is an editorial intern at GameSpot, and you can follow him on Twitter @alexbnewhouse |
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