Games and GPAs, The Facts

Video Games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in our society today. They are growing in popularity everyday. Unfortunately the increase in gaming has lead to a decrease in student's grades. 

According to a study by Carrie Heeter Ph. D. and Jillian Winn, male college students play video games about 5.3 hours per week, while female college students play about 1 hour per week.

Does playing video games affect students GPA though? Heeter said there have been mixed results.

"The study Jillian Winn and I conducted found that "Gaming was associated with less time spent doing homework, but now with lower GPA,"" said Heeter via email.

"However, Kvavik's 2005 research found: "Students with the lowest grade point averages spend significantly more time playing games; students with the highest GPAs spend more hours weekly using the computer in support of classroom activities,"" said Heeter. 

But Heeter believes that video games aren't to blame for student struggles. "There will always be activities that entice some students to engage in at the expense of their studies," said Heeter.