THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS IN LINKING LUDO STAR GAME ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS IN YOUNG ADULTS

The trend of online games with chatting options has been rising; however, addiction to these games leads to adverse consequences. Ludo Star, the most popular game in Pakistan, has shifted from physical to online play due to convenience and lower device requirements. This study investigates the relationship amid Ludo Star game addiction & psychological well-being, mediated by social connectedness amid young adults. correlational design & purposive sampling was used. The Ludo Star game addiction correlates positively with social connectedness (r=.02, p>.05) and aggression (r=.13*, p<.05). The social connectedness also correlates positively with aggression (r=.01, p>.05), though not significantly. The statistical model shows social connectedness partially mediates effect of Ludo Star game addiction on aggression in young adults since direct & total effect is positively significant but indirect effect is insignificant. The men score significantly higher than women in the Ludo Star game addiction; no significant gender difference exists in social connectedness or aggression, despite men's higher mean scores. Study concluded that social connectedness significantly mediate relationship of Ludo Star game addiction and aggression in young adults. Recommendations, limitations & implications for society benefits are offered in the study.