Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on FacebookLoot boxes mess up kids
@ 2022/12/01Financial and emotional harm
A three-year study into the impact of video game loot boxes on young people has discovered that they cause "financial and emotional harm" to teenagers and children.
The report, published by Newcastle and Loughborough Universities, tracked the gaming habits of 42 families with children aged five-17 and interviewed another 30 parents, carers and video game designers.
The report found that children and teens could not track spending in video games where "highly alluring" digital items were advertised using techniques borrowed from regulated gambling.
Boffins observed patterns of compulsive spending, including among children who used adult credit cards without permission. The study also recorded children expressing shame for having spent beyond their limits and frustration as they encountered disappointment after paying without receiving the items they wanted.
A three-year study into the impact of video game loot boxes on young people has discovered that they cause "financial and emotional harm" to teenagers and children.
The report, published by Newcastle and Loughborough Universities, tracked the gaming habits of 42 families with children aged five-17 and interviewed another 30 parents, carers and video game designers.
The report found that children and teens could not track spending in video games where "highly alluring" digital items were advertised using techniques borrowed from regulated gambling.
Boffins observed patterns of compulsive spending, including among children who used adult credit cards without permission. The study also recorded children expressing shame for having spent beyond their limits and frustration as they encountered disappointment after paying without receiving the items they wanted.
