Improving Health Outcomes in Young Cancer Patients

True! Whether it’s word puzzles, Wii bowling, or Halo 3, video games are part of the everyday lives of today’s young people, according to a recent study. No surprise to folks who follow tech trends and youth culture – but the numbers are pretty impressive. In a Pew Reserach study released a few weeks ago, 1,102 teens between the ages of 12-17 were surveyed to find out what impact video games are having on their lives. A few noteworthy conclusions in the report include:

• Fully 99% of boys and 94% of girls report playing video games. • 80% of teens play five or more different game genres, and 40% play eight or more types. • Video gaming is a highly social experience. 76% of young people play with those they already know, in one way shape or form. • There are civic dimensions to game play. “Some particular qualities of game play have a strong and consistent positive relationship to a range of civic outcomes.” The implications are fascinating! How can we reach a generation of young people – our future leaders and followers – to become more aware of and actively engaged with important social issues? How might game developers, nonprofits and others looking into innovative new approaches to healthcare tap into the social experience of games to address issues like obesity, cancer, and other chronic diseases that impact young people?

Some see these stats on kids and video games as cause for concern. At HopeLab, we see opportunity – we’re looking for new ways to use technology to improve the lives of this savvy new population of consumers, with games like Re-Mission, new products that will promote physical activity, and more.

To read the full Pew report, check out the link below.

Links:

• Full Pew Report