Regular users of video games: An initial approach

Abstract

The rapid adoption and massive use of video games in our environment impose the need to investigate the impact of these recreational applications on children and adolescents in our country. Taking into consideration the findings described by several studies on the extent of use and social impact that video games have reached in other countries and in different sectors of the youth population, the present study, of an exploratory nature, aimed to determine the use of VJs in a group of Chilean adolescents and to analyze their gaming practices. Additionally, and based on previous research, it was considered relevant to know the players' perception of the cognitive skills and values promoted in the VJs, especially those associated with sexism in gender relations. With some exceptions, the data provided by this study are similar to those found in other countries.