Thai youth hooked on computer games

About one in every four youths play computer games everyday, a poll reveals.Abac Poll Research Centre found 26.3 per cent of those aged 10 to 15 play computer games everyday or nearly everyday. Another 21.1 per cent plays between three and four days a week.
Almost one quarter of those playing on a daily basis are aged between 16 years and 20 years and one fifth is aged 21 years to 24.
In general, almost a quarter of youth plays on a daily basis or nearly everyday while 22 per cent plays between three days and four days a week. Another 23 per cent plays between one and two days a week.
The survey found 10 to 15 year olds play an average of two hours and 44 minutes a day while those aged 16 years to 20 years play about three hours and 13 minutes. Twenty-one to 24 year olds play three hours and 21 minutes.
So, in general, youths play computer games, online or offline, approximately three hours and one minute a day.
Entertainment was the main motivation for 97.8 per cent of respondents, reducing stress from study or work was cited by 91.7 per cent while 83.4 per cent sought to develop computer skills. Seventy-four per cent likes to make new gaming friends and 74 per cent likes to meet people online.
Respondents admitted to negative aspects of playing computer games.
Wasted money was cited by 89.4 per cent, eyesight problems was admitted to by 82.9 per cent and 64.7 per cent said it was a waste of time and 50.6 per cent admitted to it affecting study or work.
Centre director Noppadon Kannika concluded that 90 per cent of polled youths played games in the 30-day period before the poll and more than half love playing fighting and shooting games.
Compared with results two years ago, the number enjoying violent games had increased, he said. He encouraged the government to implement preventive measures against violence in youth.
The survey was conducted from July 8 to July 25 and involved 1,441 people aged between 10 and 24 in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.