This document discusses and debunks 5 common myths about gaming: 1) Gaming is not destroying children, and problems are often due to traditional parenting and social issues rather than technology alone. 2) While gaming is often harmless, there are some known risks associated with excessive use. 3) The majority of gamers are adults of all genders, not just lonely boys. 4) Games are a multi-billion dollar industry that can convey messages and ideas, not just games. 5) While children may seem technically proficient, they still need adult guidance around media literacy and excessive use.

1. BUSTING
5 COMMON
GAMING MYTHS
OASIS
16.2.2015
Mikko Meriläinen
University of Helsinki
@MVMerilainen
mikko.merilainen@helsinki.fi

2. WHY MYTHS MATTER
● They’re not true
● They shape (and often misdirect) discussion
● They can inform decisions
● They spread rapidly

4. MYTH #1 – “THE CHILDREN!”
● Gaming is not destroying our children (probably)
● Correlation does not equal causality
● Most gaming related problems result from more
traditional ones
● Focus shifted from parenting, education and society
to technology
● Is medicalization and criminalization the best way to
go?

5. MYTH #2 – “IT’S HARMLESS”
● Often encountered in discussions about #1
● A common pitfall for gamers and professionals
● There are several known risks associated with gaming
● The existence of other factors does not nullify the role
of gaming
● The wider gaming culture has an even larger set of
problems

6. MYTH #3 – “LONELY BOYS”
● The majority of gamers are adults
● All genders game
● The typical buyer of a digital game is in their 30s
● Important to remember when discussing games as
culture
● Distinction between children’s content and adult
content
● Stereotypes can be harmful in many ways

7. MYTH #4 – “JUST GAMES”
● It’s a multi-billion dollar industry
● Games often convey messages and ideas
● Problems of representation especially in mainstream
games
● The argument ignores the value of games as a
medium of expression
● Sometimes reflected in online behavior

9. MYTH #5 – “DIGITAL NATIVES”
● Romantic illusion of great technical prowess
● Children are children
● Often poor media literacy skills
● Risk of excessive use
● Adult guidance needed

10. A lie can travel half way around the world
while the truth is putting on its shoes.
- Mark Twain

11. Thank you!
Mikko Meriläinen
University of Helsinki
@MVMerilainen
mikko.merilainen@helsinki.fi