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Looks and Gaming: Who and Why?

Author

Listed:
  • A. Chung

    (Department of Economics, University of Reading)

  • D S. Hamermesh

    (University of Texas at Austin, IZA, and NBER)

  • C. Singleton

    (Economics Division, Stirling Management School, University of Stirling, and IZA)

  • Z. Wang

    (School of Economics, Zhejiang University of Finance and Economics)

  • J. Zhang

    (School of Economics, Zhejiang University, Department of Economics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and IZA)

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between physical attractiveness and the time people devote to video/computer gaming. Average American teenagers spend 2.6% of their waking hours gaming, while for adults this figure is 2.7%. Using the American Add Health Study, we show that adults who are better-looking have more close friends. Arguably, gaming is costlier for them, and they thus engage in less of it. Physically attractive teens are less likely to engage in gaming at all, whereas unattractive teens who do game spend more time each week on it than other gamers. Attractive adults are also less likely than others to spend any time gaming; and if they do, they spend less time on it than less attractive adults. Using the longitudinal nature of the Add Health Study, we find supportive evidence that these relationships are causal for adults: good looks decrease gaming time, not vice-versa.

Suggested Citation

  • A. Chung & D S. Hamermesh & C. Singleton & Z. Wang & J. Zhang, 2024. "Looks and Gaming: Who and Why?," Economics Discussion Papers em-dp2024-04, Department of Economics, University of Reading.
    • Handle: RePEc:rdg:emxxdp:em-dp2024-04
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    Keywords

    physical attractiveness; beauty; time allocation; social activity; teenage behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software

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