Video gaming in a hyperconnected world: A cross-sectional study of heavy gaming, problematic gaming symptoms, and online socializing in adolescents. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Colder Carras, Michelle; Van Rooij, Antonius J.; Van de Mheen, Dike; Musci, Rashelle; Xue, Qian-Li; Mendelson, Tamar
• Is Part Of: Computers in human behavior. Volume 68(2017)
• Page Start: 472
• Page End: 479
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: Video games -- Social networking -- Social anxiety -- Depression -- Loneliness -- Friendship quality; Interactive computer systems -- Periodicals; Man-machine systems -- Periodicals; 004.019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.11.060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0747-5632

Abstract

Abstract: Aims: Examining online social interactions along with patterns of video gaming behaviors and game addiction symptoms has the potential to enrich our understanding of disorders related to excessive video game play. Methods: We performed latent class analysis in a sample of 9733 adolescents based on heavy use of games, social networking and instant messaging, and game addiction symptoms. We used latent class regression to determine associations between classes, psychosocial well-being and friendship quality. Results: We identified two types of heavy gaming classes that differed in probability of online social interaction. Classes with more online social interaction reported fewer problematic gaming symptoms than those with less online social interaction. Most adolescents estimated to be in heavy gaming classes had more depressive symptoms than normative classes. Male non-social gamers had more social anxiety. Female social gamers had less social anxiety and loneliness, but lower self-esteem. Friendship quality attenuated depression in some male social gamers, but strengthened associations with loneliness in some male non-social gamers. Conclusions: In adolescents, symptoms of video game addiction depend not only on video game play but also on concurrent levels of online communication, and those who are very socially active online report fewer symptoms of game addiction. Highlights: Adolescent heavy video game use may be normative in a social context. We use latent class analysis to group adolescents by types of heavy media use. Heavy game play is associated with more depressive symptoms. Heavy game play and heavy online social interaction together may be protective. For content validity, Internet gaming disorder should include social interaction.