A 76-page report from Pew Internet finds, among other revelations, that gamers who comment on game-related websites or discussion boards are "more engaged civically and politically."

A random phone-digit survey of over 1,000 U.S. teens found that among teens who contribute to such websites:

• 18 percent have protested in the last 12 months, compared to 8 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.
• 38 percent have tried to persuade others how to vote in an election, compared to 22 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.
• 68 percent have raised money for charity, compared to 61 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.
• 67 percent stay informed about current events, compared to 58 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.
• 63 percent are interested in politics, compared to 54 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.
• 74 percent are committed to civic participation, compared to 61 percent of those who play games but do not contribute to online gaming communities.

The lengthy report also found that those who play "civic gaming experiences" (Civilization or The Political Machine, for instance) are more inclined to participate in in real-life civic and political activities.

The study stated, "Teens with the most (top 25 percent) civic gaming experiences were more likely to report interest and engagement in civic and political activities than teens with the fewest (bottom 25 percent)."

Pew Internet also threw out the idea that gamers in general are necessarily unconcerned or disengaged in civic and political activity.

The study stated, "Neither the frequency of gameplay nor the amount of time young people spend playing games is significantly related to most of the civic and political outcomes that we examined—following politics, persuading others how to vote, contributing to charities, volunteering or staying informed about politics and current events."

However, Pew Internet said that gaming also has no strong connection to "vibrant" civic or political life.

The wide-ranging report can be read in full here (.pdf).