Beyond Addiction: Positive and Negative Parent Perceptions of Minecraft Play

Abstract

Parent perceptions of game play have a crucial role in forming the context in which children engage with digital games. However, little empirical information is known about these perceptions. The current study addresses this gap by describing a detailed analysis of open text responses by parents about their views on the popular game Minecraft. We show that parents are able to identify a broad range of both positive and negative outcomes associated with the game. We situate these observations within historical discourses about the role of screen media in children's lives, and the way that play itself is valued. Combining the insights from our data with these broader perspectives informs schol..