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

The current paper uses data collected from a publicly available, nationally representative data set to examine the effects of TV viewing and video gaming on adolescent behavioral problems and cognitive achievement. Results revealed that extended hours of TV viewing were associated with greater anxiety/depression and antisocial problems. On the other hand, extended hours of video gaming were associated with higher reading comprehension scores. Differing effects of TV viewing and gameplay by an individual’s sex was also found during the analysis. It is also important to note that the opposite effects that the two media has on outcomes, indicate that, although the two forms of media deliver content in similar modes, they are distinct in terms of how they affect cognitive and behavioral development in adolescents.