Boys have been, since the 1970s, widely associated with video games.

Although most of the times the impact of video games on males has been negative, it is quite interesting to notice that there has been, throughout the last couple of decades, a misconception that suggests playing video games leads to social isolation. This suggests that parents should restrict their children’s gaming habits as a means to mitigate such a perceived dangerous effect. This essay analyses the notion that boys who love playing video games are socially isolated.

It proves their innocence and shows that video gaming is not the cause of social isolation as it is often believed.

The Video Game History

Video games dates back to the early 1950s when nuclear scientists created games as a way of displaying their skills. However, as computer technology was developed in the 1970s, the gaming industry experienced a significant change.

The first wave of games, such as Pong, were simple and repetitive games mainly created only to entertain people. With time developers added more complex stories to their games which included puzzles and levels for players to complete them.

Gaming has been evolving throughout the last couple of decades with new technologies and diversity of platforms, making gaming more accessible for everyone.

Changing Role of Boys

Another critical aspect of the issue is the changing role of boys, which is fundamentally promoting the misconceptions about the impact of video games on social isolation. Boys are no longer being raised to be traditionally male.

Boys are taught that they should be more sensitive, emotional and expressive. They are taught to think beyond traditional gender roles, and this puts them on a quest to redefine what it means to be masculine. Thus, playing video games can help boys do activities that defy stereotypes in a comfortable and non-threatening manner.

At the same time, this renewed definition of masculinity is helping to increase understanding and empathy.”.

The Stereotype of Isolation

The reason why it is believed that playing video games leads to social isolation is because gaming is often wrongly associated with a stereotype. This stereotype suggests that boys who play video games are nerdy, and they are socially awkward.

Therefore, the threat of video games persuades parents that video gaming is the reason why their sons are not meeting up with friends, and they are not going out to socialize. Moreover, when parents hear media reports about boys playing games for days-on-end and neglecting their personal hygiene, they often assume this is the result of social isolation and an inability to balance gaming with other activities.

The Benefits of Gaming

The reality is that gaming can, in fact, offer a lot of psychological, social and personal benefits.

Gaming can, for example, help to develop cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork and quick thinking, and more importantly, these skills help people in social situations beyond playing video games. Moreover, gaming necessitates socialisation – from online communication and problem-solving to personal relationships developed around shared interests.

A 2014 survey showed that 79% of gaming is done with friends in the same room, or over the Internet.

The popularity of online gaming with friends should be seen as a positive trend to signal that gaming is not leading to social isolation, but in fact, it is promoting it. Gaming is a popular way for people to meet other players, and they can communicate with them during the game. This can undoubtedly lead to the building of genuine friendships.

The Gender Myth

Many still believe that video gaming is a highly gendered activity, and furthermore, that only males play video games. In fact, women make of 43% of the gaming community.

Simultaneously, the study also showed that while females may choose different games than males, both genders primarily embrace games on the social side of the spectrum. Thus, promoting the notion that video games promote social isolation along gender lines is a damaging and incorrect stereotype.

The Healthy Gaming Habits

Of course, there will be instances of boys being addicted to video gaming. The key to addressing video game addiction is promoting healthy gaming habits as the best way forward. The following are the best ways of promoting healthy gaming habits:.

Limiting Screen Time
Use of Parental Controls
Moderating The Online Presence
Encouraging A Balanced Lifestyle
Play Cooperative Games With Your Kids

The Opposition and Conclusion

Overall, it is, therefore, inappropriate to associate video gaming with social isolation, especially when there are so many other factors and variables at play, including gender stereotypes, evolving social trends and healthy gaming habits.

While it is true, video games can be addictive and detrimental if they are over-consumed, this is true of anything. In conclusion, there is no natural link between video gaming and social isolation. It is essential to understand that gaming is just another way for boys (and everyone else) to play and socialize during their free time.