Personality Differences Between High and Low Electronic Video Game Users

Summary In recent months a controversy has emerged in the United States over the possible effects video game usage has on the individual personality. At present no empirical data exist to indicate whether there are any personality differences between high- and low-use video game players. High and low users of video games (N = 280) were compared by sex. No significant differences were found between groups for either sex on the personality dimensions of: 1) self-esteem–self-degradation, 2) social deviancy–social conformity, 3) hostility–kindness, 4) social withdrawal–gregariousness, 5) obsessive–compulsive, and 6) achievement motivation. Correlations between the six personality variables and the weekly amount of time spent playing video games yielded no significant relationships for either sex. Correlations between the variables and length of experience with video games indicated that females with longer experience were more achievement motivated than females with lesser experience.