CHICAGO, July 7 (UPI) -- Two thirds of U.S. college students play video and computer games on a regular basis, according to a new study.
The Pew Internet & American Life Project study randomly surveyed 27 two-year and four-year universities throughout the United States. The results were supplemented with observations at several Chicago-area colleges and universities.
Interactive entertainment -- computer and video games as well as games played online with other students -- has become a crucial activity for students.
"Our research indicated a significant number of women -- 60 percent -- are playing computer and online games," survey author Steve Jones told Monday's Chicago Sun-Times.
"Games allow us to express ourselves, experiment with different situations and blow off steam, and then go back to the books," said Robin Hunnicky, a Northwestern graduate student.
Today's college student has grown up playing video games. Sixty-nine percent of those surveyed saying they played their first video game in elementary school.
