University degree and salary: computer games vs reading

[paf]

Hey guys,

I've just found this article here "Computer gamers less likely to go to university, research shows", which points to:

Computer gamers less likely to go to university, research shows

Report by Oxford University also reveals that reading enhances the likelihood that teenagers will go on to study for a degree.

Frequently playing computer games appears to reduce a teenager's chances of going to university, while reading enhances the likelihood that they will go on to study for a degree, according to Oxford University research that tracked 17,000 people born in 1970.

Reading was also linked to careers success, as the research finds 16-year-olds who read books at least once a month were significantly more likely to be in a professional or managerial job at 33 than those who didn't read books at all.

(...)

Mark Taylor, of Nuffield College, Oxford, who carried out the research, said that results indicated there was "something special" about reading for pleasure.

Even after accounting for class, ability and the type of school a child attended, reading still made a difference. He said: "It's no surprise that kids who went to the theatre when young get better jobs. That's because their parents were rich. When you take these things into account, the effect that persists is for reading."

(...)

Despite gaming reducing the chances of becoming a graduate, the research suggests teenagers who spend a lot of time playing video games should not worry too much about their career prospects. Playing computer games frequently did not reduce the likelihood that a 16-year-old would be in a professional or managerial job at 33, the research finds. Taylor's analysis also indicates that children who read books and did one other cultural activity further increased their chances of going to university.

(...)

While reading helped people into a more prestigious career, it did not bring them a higher salary. None of the extra-curricular activities at 16 were associated with a greater or lesser income at 33, he finds.

(...)

Source: Guardian

So, it seems that:

Going to university: reading 1 vs pc games 0
Earn more money: reading 0 vs pc games 0

What do you think?

From my part, I've always been a book addicted, an avid and a compulsive reader, (even if I love to play some computer games ), and ... it's true I'm far from being a millionaire in what money concerns... But I feel I'm much more "rich" in every other ways and I believe that is related to my pleasure in reading .

[hellnoire]

I do both: I read and I game. I'm in college, and might go back to school later for a higher degree, but that's AFTER I get a job with what skills I have.

[Bluedot]

I don't game. I read. Of course, I hope to start gaming all over again when I'm in college.

[Bearcat]

From my part, I've always been a book addicted, an avid and a compulsive reader, (even if I love to play some computer games ), and ... it's true I'm far from being a millionaire in what money concerns... But I feel I'm much more "rich" in every other ways and I believe that is related to my pleasure in reading

Thanks for the interesting read Paf. Since there was no such thing as a computer game when I was in college, I managed to graduate somehow. Like you, I am not a millionaire and don't have any interest in becoming one. I have everything I need and am content. I have loved to read since a very early age, but also enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.

[INDRANIL]

Very interesting Thanks paf . I've just finished my Bachelor Degree now looking forward for my specialization exam and then job. I'm not interested in games. Because I found some good forums over the net. I've spent my spare times over there learned many things so never think about spending time by playing games. But when I was new on computer I played games for 1 - 2 yrs and from then no game. I like reading but only my course book or computer or internet related materials. Not much interested in other stuffs. You can say that I'm lazy .

[JayCub]

Thank you Paf i enjoyed the article and like Bear pc's where rare im my day and computer games where Tennis with the paddles and a white square, or space invaders in arcades, which was a rare place to be in... mostly it was biking football and nights where for books and some TV...weekends for the visits to Liverpool a fantastic City..

[ted]

Thank you Paf i enjoyed the article and like Bear pc's where rare im my day and computer games where Tennis with the paddles and a white square, or space invaders in arcades, which was a rare place to be in... mostly it was biking football and nights where for books and some TV...weekends for the visits to Liverpool a fantastic City..

yes i always remember seeing the tennis and football computer games on Crackerjack (TV Show)