Causes and Effects of Internet Gaming Addiction among Adolescents by a Case Study in China

In recent times, internet gaming addiction has become a significant concern among adolescents. This study investigates the causes and consequences of internet gaming addiction using a correlational study method and structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Six hypotheses were generated for the model. Data was collected using various instruments proven reliable and valid by previous studies, with 276 teenage students participating in the study. The antecedent variables include gender, healthy relationship behaviors computer gaming, and frequency of gaming. The consequence variables are grade point average (GPA), self-esteem, and self-confidence. The results indicate computer gaming increase internet gaming addiction, whereas being female and people with healthy relationship profiles are less likely to develop problematic patterns internet gaming addiction. Regarding the consequences, internet gaming addiction significantly decreases GPA and self-esteem but does not significantly influence self-confidence. Further research studies and implications are presented and discussed.