Gaming Addiction and Social Isolation in Adolescent Boys

A study published in the journal Mental Health and Social Inclusion explores the relationship between gaming addiction and social interaction among adolescent boys in Pakistan. The research found that gaming addiction was significantly and negatively related to social interaction, and anger expression was a mediating factor in this association. The study highlights the importance of addressing anger expression and social isolation as consequences of gaming addiction in adolescent boys.

Key Takeaways:

• The study examined the association between gaming addiction and social interaction among 300 adolescent boys in private schools in Pakistan.
• The results showed that gaming addiction was significantly and negatively related to social interaction, with a correlation coefficient of -0.32 (p < 0.001).
• Anger expression was a significant mediator of the relationship between gaming addiction and social interaction, with a correlation coefficient of 0.41 (p < 0.001) between gaming addiction and anger expression.
• The study found that adolescents who were more addicted to gaming reported higher levels of anger expression and lower levels of social interaction.
• The study suggests that addressing anger expression and social isolation is crucial in preventing gaming addiction and promoting social interaction among adolescent boys.

Statistics:

• 2-3 billion users worldwide play video games (Newzoo, 2017; Vuong et al., 2021).
• 300 adolescent boys from private schools in Pakistan participated in the study, with a mean age of 14.6 and a standard deviation of 1.2.
• 29.4% of the participants reported high levels of gaming addiction, 21.3% reported moderate levels, and 49.3% reported low levels.
• The study found a significant negative correlation between gaming addiction and social interaction (r = -0.32, p < 0.001).
• The study found a significant positive correlation between gaming addiction and anger expression (r = 0.41, p < 0.001).

Sources:

• Newzoo. (2017). Global Games Market Report 2017.
• Vuong, A. T., et al. (2021). The impact of gaming on mental health.
• Shafaqat, A. (2016). Anger Expression Scale.
• Henderson, M. A., et al. (1999). Social Interaction and Technology Use Questionnaire.
• Lemmens, J. S., et al. (2009). Game Addiction Scale.
• Mental Health and Social Inclusion. (2024). Navigating complexities: gaming addiction, anger expression and social interaction among adolescent boys in Pakistan, 29(4), Emerald Publishing.