Gender Differences and Related Factors Affecting Online Gaming Addiction Among Taiwanese Adolescents

TLDR

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which gender and other factors predict the severity of online gaming addiction among Taiwanese adolescents. The study recruited 395 junior high students, assessed addiction severity, behavioral traits, stressors, and life satisfaction, and used multiple regression to examine gender differences in how these factors relate to addiction severity. The results showed that male adolescents were more likely to play online games, had higher addiction severity and different motives, and that older age, lower self-esteem, and lower life satisfaction predicted greater addiction severity in males but not females, indicating a need for gender‑specific prevention strategies.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent to which gender and other factors predict the severity of online gaming addiction among Taiwanese adolescents. A total of 395 junior high school students were recruited for evaluation of their experiences playing online games. Severity of addiction, behavioral characteristics, number of stressors, and level of satisfaction with daily life were compared between males and females who had previously played online games. Multiple regression analysis was used to explore gender differences in the relationships between severity of online gaming addiction and a number of variables. This study found that subjects who had previously played online games were predominantly male. Gender differences were also found in the severity of online gaming addiction and motives for playing. Older age, lower self-esteem, and lower satisfaction with daily life were associated with more severe addiction among males, but not among females. Special strategies accounting for gender differences must be implemented to prevent adolescents with risk factors from becoming addicted to online gaming.