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The study, conducted by Australian psychology graduate Daniel Loton, found that 15 per cent of 621 adult respondents to an online survey spend more than 50 hours a week playing games. But, just one per cent appeared lack social competence - specifically suffering from shyness - confirming what most gamers probably already know; gaming does not negatively impact social skills.

The findings come after widely reported statements

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made last year by the American Medical Association, which labelled Multiplayer Online Role Playing Gamers (MMORPGs) as "somewhat marginalised socially, perhaps experiencing high levels of emotional loneliness and/or difficulty with real life social interactions".

"Our findings strongly suggest that gaming doesn't cause social problems, and social problems are not driving people to gaming," said Loton. "What is important to note is that even problem gamers did not exhibit significant signs of poor social skills or low self-esteem."

Loton, who admitted that he has always played video games, spent the last two years conducting the study, which was based on mainly Australian and mainly male respondents.

His questionnaire included scales to measure social skills, self-esteem and determine "problematic" and "dependence forming" play.

"My analysis showed only tiny relationships, that is less than 5 percent of variation in problem play scores, was explained by social skills," he said.