"Ultraviolent games such as "Grand Theft Auto" get the attention. But for video-game playing teens, including a growing number of girls, it's about more than explosions and car chases.

They use video games to stay in touch with friends. They play a wide range of titles featuring puzzles, music, sports and role playing. And the right games may even encourage teens to be more involved in their communities, according to a study released Tuesday by the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

"Gaming isn't taking kids out of the social mix. It is a part of their social lives," said Amanda Lenhart, senior research specialist with Pew.

Teens liking video games is no surprise — though the fact that 97 percent of them said they played one kind or another surprised the researchers. And while shoot'em-up games like "Call of Duty" and "Halo" are popular, there's a lot of diversity in gaming."


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