Factors Related to Online Gaming Addictive Behavior among Secondary School Students at Amphur Nadoon, Mahasarakham

Abstract

          Problems of online gaming addiction had increased among children and teenagers.Without proper management, this problem can lead to bad behaviors such as stealing, assault, and health problem. This cross sectional descriptive research aimed to study factors related to online gaming addictive behavior among secondary school students at Amphur Nadoon, Mahasarakham. Data were collected among 152 students through self-report questionnaires and were analyzed using descriptive statistic and chi-square test at significant levels of 0.05. The results revealed that there were 22.4 percent of students with online gaming addiction (playing every day, at least 3 hours at a time). About 36.8 percents of them played online game between 4.01-8.00 pm. The location was at internet shop, 66.4 percent. Most of them, 53.9 percent, played fighting game such as shooting, fence and boxing. Factors related to online gaming addictive behavior were gender, average grades, parent’s incomes, family factor, psychological factor and environmental factor. These factors had a statistical significant relationship with game online addictive behavior (p<0.05). Students who had online gaming addictive behavior often played games after school because they could play at internet shop nearby school before they went back home. They felt relief when they played games and they wanted entertainments. The speed of internet influenced more online gaming addiction. The most popular one was fighting game that needed violence and challenge. This kind of game could increase violent behavior in students. Parents and significant others should promote a good relationship among family members and involve in observing computer playing children. In addition, the operation of internet shop and online game shop should be controlled seriously.