Moms and dads definitely want help when it comes to deciding whether or not a movie, TV show or video game is appropriate for their children. But, new research says the current rating systems aren’t giving them the information they need.

In three different studies of parents, all reported in the July issue of Pediatrics, researchers found that parents want more detailed information about media content over the vague descriptions they’re being given now.

"When parents use media ratings and do set limits on the content of the media that their children see, there’s a powerful protective factor. Those kids do better in school and they get into fewer fights. Ratings have a tremendous potential to matter, and if they were more accurate, they could matter even more," said the lead author of the three studies, Douglas Gentile, an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University.

via Parents Find Media Rating Systems Lacking.

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Various research has touted the negative effects of spending too much solitary time playing video games, so "people think [video] games are bad for you psychologically," explained study author Cuihua Shen. "We challenge that assumption," she said.

via Online Gaming With Real-World Friends Is Healthier: Study.

Maybe it’s just me, but I think that you should be able to advance in the game without being forced into one of those options, and only need to use friends or money for special perks.

I used to play Petville, and I didn’t mind shelling out cash once in a while for a special outfit or home decor. But then Zynga stopped creating new outfits that could be bought without shelling out real cash. I started feeling like I was being royally screwed. Thanks, but no thanks.