Video game addiction is real, and it can have many negative consequences, from sleep disturbances to social isolation. It has even been linked to depression and anxiety, sedentary lifestyles, family problems, and relationship issues. But what draws people in to gaming and, more importantly, what leads to a lifetime of play? The Psychology of Online Gaming: What Draws Us In explores these questions. This Link: https://www.santarosacatholic.org/
The Psychology of Online Gaming: Understanding the Pull
A new study by Mansoura University in Egypt surveyed 245 adolescents on their psychological well-being and how they compared to the symptoms of internet gaming disorder, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The participants were also asked to fill out an online questionnaire assessing their video game playing habits.
The results showed a strong correlation between all the variables. This was especially true for basic psychological needs (autonomy, competence, relatedness), as well as online gaming addiction and meaning in life. The researchers also found that the latter two variables had serial mediation effects on the former.
This is likely due to the fact that the more one engages in online gaming, the more they rely on it as a source of meaning and self-worth. For example, people who have poor social skills are more likely to turn to gaming, as it can provide a form of social affirmation. Not only do games often come with NPCs – non-playable characters – who can tell players how brave or brilliant they are, but they can also connect with other gamers through forums and chat rooms.