Video gaming has become one of the most popular leisure activities worldwide, with an estimated 3.1 billion gamers in 2022. While gaming can be a source of entertainment and relaxation, it can also lead to problematic behavior, affecting gamers' daily lives. This study aimed to understand the meaning, purpose, and influences of video gaming in the daily lives of problem gamers.
Meaning and Purpose of Video Gaming
The study found that gaming was a meaningful and purposeful activity for problem gamers. Participants reported that gaming provided them with a sense of achievement, control, and social connectedness. One participant noted, "I feel good when I achieve something in the game, and it helps me forget about my problems for a while."
Positive and Negative Experiences
While gaming provided positive experiences, it also led to negative experiences for some participants. The negative experiences mainly resulted from using video games as a coping strategy for other life stressors. One participant stated, "I turn to gaming when I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but then I end up playing for hours, which affects my work and relationships."
Influences on Video Gaming
Individual, interpersonal, and environmental influences acted simultaneously to push and pull on the amount of gaming. The study found that internal factors, such as personal preferences and psychological needs, influenced the amount of gaming. One participant noted, "I game because it's the only way I can relax and escape from my problems."
External factors, such as social support and access to technology, also influenced the amount of gaming. One participant stated, "My friends and family are also gamers, so we play together often. It's a way for us to bond and have fun."
Conclusion: In conclusion, video gaming can offer both positive and negative experiences in gamers' lives. Understanding the meaning, purpose, and influences of video gaming is crucial in developing effective interventions for problem gamers. The findings of this study suggest that addressing the underlying stressors that lead to problematic gaming behavior and providing alternative sources of support and engagement in daily activities can be effective in assisting problem gamers.
Meaning and Purpose of Video Gaming
The study found that gaming was a meaningful and purposeful activity for problem gamers. Participants reported that gaming provided them with a sense of achievement, control, and social connectedness. One participant noted, "I feel good when I achieve something in the game, and it helps me forget about my problems for a while."
Positive and Negative Experiences
While gaming provided positive experiences, it also led to negative experiences for some participants. The negative experiences mainly resulted from using video games as a coping strategy for other life stressors. One participant stated, "I turn to gaming when I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed, but then I end up playing for hours, which affects my work and relationships."
Influences on Video Gaming
Individual, interpersonal, and environmental influences acted simultaneously to push and pull on the amount of gaming. The study found that internal factors, such as personal preferences and psychological needs, influenced the amount of gaming. One participant noted, "I game because it's the only way I can relax and escape from my problems."
External factors, such as social support and access to technology, also influenced the amount of gaming. One participant stated, "My friends and family are also gamers, so we play together often. It's a way for us to bond and have fun."
Conclusion: In conclusion, video gaming can offer both positive and negative experiences in gamers' lives. Understanding the meaning, purpose, and influences of video gaming is crucial in developing effective interventions for problem gamers. The findings of this study suggest that addressing the underlying stressors that lead to problematic gaming behavior and providing alternative sources of support and engagement in daily activities can be effective in assisting problem gamers.
