The Association between Youths’ Mobile Gaming Time and Loneliness, Self-esteem and Life Satisfaction
Kezhalhousa
Research Scholar, Department of Adult & Continuing Education, North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, India.
Khrieneikuo Zumu
Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Kohima College, Kohima (Affiliated to Nagaland University).
Vivi Krubve
Research Scholar, Department of Anthropology, North Eastern Hill University, Meghalaya, India.
There is a growing interest in comprehending the psychological effects of the widespread adoption of mobile gaming among young people. The objective of this study is to explore the correlation between the amount of time individuals spend playing mobile games and important psychological aspects such as loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Additionally, this study will analyse any variations in these associations based on gender. We obtained data from a sample of 420 youths aged 15 to 24 using snowball sampling. We then analysed the collected data using STATA software, which included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings demonstrated a direct association between the amount of time dedicated to mobile gaming and feelings of loneliness, self-esteem, and overall life satisfaction. Gender-based analyses revealed that females had a decrease in feelings of loneliness as they spent more time playing mobile games, but males exhibited better levels of self-esteem with increased gaming time. These findings emphasise the subtle ways in which mobile gaming influences psychological outcomes in individuals of different genders.
Keywords: Mobile games, Time spent, Loneliness, Self-Esteem, Life Satisfaction.
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