well if it wasn't for gaming, I honestly don't think I'd be a good as a driver as I am today. I was told before I even started to drive, that gamers are excellent drivers due to learning the habit of quick reflexes with controls.
I've been playing since I was about age 4.
also as for friends, not many of my friends actually pay games. I think the only person, besides my mom, nephew and niece, that I know that plays games is my husband. Which I don't think would have had a problem or changed had I never played a video game.