Creativity is a universal human trait but expressing it can sometimes be considered emasculating. Women often feel fewer societal pressures when they enjoy things like painting, reading, or coloring compared to men.
Many women often feel comfortable displaying their creative outlets and often take pride in them. While some males feel almost the opposite especially in adolescent/teenage years, society pressures many men to pursue hobbies like sports, weightlifting, and fishing. While one of the most common and universal male hobbies is video gaming.
According to the Entertainment Software Association, about 70% of United States households play video or computer games. Research from Michigan State University is showing that the more kids played video games the more creative they became while drawing pictures and writing stories. Similarly painting and coloring are often found to help stimulate the brain up to new ideas and take a break from the constant thought processes of day to day life, this is sometimes referred to as the Archimedes or Newton effect.
Looking at the amount of time male high school students spend playing video games and how video games contribute to creativity the two may be linked. While 99% of teenage boys play video games in their day to day there are hardly any studies on the extent to which they engage in coloring/painting.
Video games are often looked down upon, some argue that they are too violent and addictive. While others may realize how many different types of video games have become a unique and underestimated creative outlet for many teenage boys and men. Not only is playing video games considered “socially acceptable” for teenage boys, many also find joy in playing them on a daily basis.
Some have even found refuge as well as a social acceptance within gaming. Connor Larson explained “The thing I have noticed as a [online/ESports] team captain is that a lot of gamers you meet are always shy, it’s just kind of a thing where people who spend a lot of time playing video games are generally more reclusive, a little bit more awkward. But having an ESports team, and the rocket league team has helped a lot of these kids gain confidence and even pay more attention in school.”
“When you’re really stressed out with other stuff, video games are kind of a place where you can go where you know you’re gonna have fun and you don’t have to think about all those other things.” another student inquired.
Video games have not only become a fun activity for many people around the world but they have started to become a creative outlet. In addition by challenging social norms and being involved in endeavors that bring individuals joy we can become a more supportive society with more creative and confident people.