Adolescents in the Gaming Zone: A Study on Depression, Anxiety, Loneliness

This study explores the effects of playing video games online addiction on adolescents' mental health in the Kathmandu Valley. With the advent of accessible gaming platforms, there is increasing concern about their potential negative effects. Using a cross-sectional, descriptive, and causal-comparative research design, data were collected from 207 students across four colleges through structured questionnaires. The study aimed to assess adolescents' perceptions of online gaming, investigate the connection between addiction to gaming and mental health, as well as how it affects loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The findings reveal a significant correlation between online gaming addiction and adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents. Increased gaming addiction is linked to increased degrees of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The study highlights the detrimental effects of excessive gaming on social relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being. This research addresses a critical gap by focusing on the Kathmandu Valley, providing new insights into the localized effects of gaming addiction and underscoring the need for targeted interventions and preventive measures to support adolescent mental health.