We all love a good gaming session, right? Whether it's unwinding with a console after work or diving into mobile games during a break, it's a go-to for chilling out. Plus, with streamers making a living off it and esports pros dominating, gaming is more than just a pastime.
But hold up! A recent 2024 paper, shared on Japanese X (formerly Twitter), has dropped a bombshell. Using data from the US Add Health survey, the study claims: "The more attractive someone is, the less time they spend gaming." Naturally, this has set Japanese social media ablaze, with everyone wondering what's up with looks and gaming habits.
The tweet came from Ritsu Kitagawa, a Columbia Business School PhD student and visiting researcher at Waseda University's Center for Empirical Research on Organizational Economics. Kitagawa called the conclusion "pretty wild," suggesting that attractiveness directly impacts how people divvy up their leisure time, leading good-looking folks to game less.
Why? Because attractive people tend to have more friends and social engagements. For them, the "opportunity cost" of gaming is just too high. Basically, "Why would I stay home gaming when I could be out having fun?"
Of course, one burning question immediately popped up from a netizen: "So, if I game less, will I become better looking?" The short answer? Nope. As user Ludwig clarified, the original paper specifically addressed "reverse causality," stating that "reducing your gaming time will not make you more attractive." The study found no significant correlation between the two.
Now, before you throw your controller, remember the study talks about "average trends." So, if you're a total hottie who also happens to be a hardcore gamer, you're not breaking any laws of physics. It's a general trend, not a hard-and-fast rule.
Unsurprisingly, many Japanese netizens felt "soul-crushingly attacked" by the findings. Comments poured in like: "I've sunk 1300 hours into 'Super Smash Bros.'... I have nothing to say," "So I won't get hotter even if I game less? My life is over," and "If I believe this paper and quit gaming, I'll just be an ugly dude who doesn't game."
Others pointed out the obvious: "Isn't this just saying good-looking people have more friends and get invited out more, leaving no time for gaming?" Fair point. If you're attractive and a social butterfly, you're probably out and about, not cooped up with a controller.
The gaming world, after all, is a level playing field. It doesn't care what you look like or if you're mobility-impaired; it's all about skill. For those who might feel disadvantaged by their looks, gaming can be a real savior. But for those who rely on their charm, maybe it's just not as thrilling.
Some also questioned whether this US-centric logic applies universally to Japan or other countries. One comment mused, "In the US, maybe less attractive people already struggle more in social circles, so they naturally dive deeper into gaming?"
Ultimately, these papers aren't gospel, so no need to take it too personally. The study highlights a trend, but who knows? Maybe you're one of those awesome exceptions—a total gaming enthusiast who's also ridiculously good-looking (?!).
via： togetter