TV Versus Video Games: Their Distinctive Effects on Adolescent Behavior and Academic Achievement

• In Event: The Relationship Between Screen-Based Media on Child and Adolescent Development

Abstract

The current paper uses data collected from a nationally representative data set to examine the effects of TV viewing and video gaming on adolescent behavioral problems and academic achievement. Results revealed that extended hours of TV viewing were associated with greater anxiety and antisocial problems. On the other hand, extended hours of video gaming were associated with higher reading comprehension scores and lower hyperactivity problems. Contrasting effects of TV viewing and gameplay by an adolescent’s demographic characteristics was also found during the analysis, indicating that the two forms of media are noticeably distinct in terms of how they affect cognitive and behavioral development in adolescents.

Authors

• Faiaz Rahman, University of Iowa

• Kathy L. Schuh, University of Iowa