A new study on the prevalence and causes of gaming addiction has found that 3.8% of gamers are addicted, with males and females equally affected, and the average onset age being 22. The study also found that gaming addiction is more prevalent in countries where gaming is more prominent. The most common cause of gaming addiction was found to be a lack of social opportunities, while other causes included a need for excitement or escape from reality, and ease of access to games through smartphones and other devices. The study highlights the need for further research and interventions to address the issue.
Gaming Addiction: New Study Sheds Light on Prevalence and Causes
Prevalence
A new study has shed light on the prevalence of gaming addiction. The study surveyed over 10,000 gamers from around the world and found that 3.8% of them were addicted to gaming.
The study also found that males and females were equally likely to be addicted to gaming, and that the average age of gaming addiction onset was 22 years old.
The study also found that gaming addiction was more prevalent in countries where gaming is more prominent, such as South Korea and China.
Causes
The study also looked at the causes of gaming addiction. It found that the most common cause of gaming addiction was a lack of other social opportunities, as people who were socially isolated or had poor social skills were more likely to become addicted to gaming.
Other causes of gaming addiction included a need for excitement or escape from reality, a desire for accomplishment or recognition, and the ease of access to games through smartphones and other devices.
The study also found that certain game features, such as loot boxes and microtransactions, were linked to addictive behavior in gamers.