Problematic Online Game Use Among College Students and Its Relationships With Social Skill, Aggression, and Depression

• In Event: Extreme, Adventure, Scenario, and Game-Based Learning: The Future of Hybrid and Online Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to compare between online game players and non-players in terms of their psycho-social characteristics. This study also examined the difference between heavy players and light players. Subsequently, problematic online game use (POGU) as a predictor of aggression and a moderator effect of social skills were investigated. The participants were 400 Japanese university students (M age 20.47, SD=1.21). No significant differences were observed between players and non-players in all measures. There were also no significant difference between heavy players and light players. However, the level of POGU among players was positively correlated with aggression and depression. In addition, the level of social skills slightly moderated the association between POGU and aggression and depression respectively.

Author

• Ikuko Aoyama, Tokyo University of Social Welfare