Forecasting internet addiction in adolescents: The interplay of digital self-efficacy, digital literacy, and positive emotion regulation in online gaming dependency

Background: Internet addiction among adolescents engaged in online gaming is a pressing public health issue.Objective: This study examined the predictive roles of digital self-efficacy, digital literacy, and positive emotion regulation in internet addiction among adolescents with online gaming dependence.Method: Using a cross-sectional correlational design, we sampled 503 male adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from counselling centres in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2024. We used convenience sampling based on predefined criteria for gaming dependence. We collected data using validated tools, including the Online Gaming Questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, the Digital Self-Efficacy Scale, the Digital Literacy Questionnaire, and the Positive Emotion Regulation Scale. Statistical analyses, performed with SPSS version 26, included Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses.Results: There were significant negative correlations between digital self-efficacy (p < 0.01), digital literacy (p < 0.01), and internet addiction, suggesting that greater digital competencies may reduce addiction risk. Conversely, difficulties in positive emotion regulation were positively correlated with internet addiction (p < 0.01), indicating that emotional regulation challenges heighten addiction risk. The model accounted for 33% of the variance in internet addiction (p < 0.01). Specifically, digital self-efficacy and positive emotion regulation were significant predictors, though digital literacy’s unique contribution was non-significant (p = 0.267).Conclusion: These findings highlight the protective roles of digital self-efficacy and effective positive emotion regulation, supporting targeted interventions such as educational workshops to enhance these competencies and mitigate internet addiction among male adolescents with online gaming dependence.