The Impact of Game Addiction on Cognition and Emotions in Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: Game addiction has emerged as a significant mental health concern among adolescents. This study assessed the severity of gaming addiction among junior and senior high school students and examined its perceived effects on emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social functioning, with the goal of informing prevention and intervention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 918 students aged 10 to 23 years. The Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was used to measure the severity of gaming addiction. For exploratory analysis, the 20 IAT items were categorized into four domains: emotional disturbances, learning impairments, sleep disturbances, and disruptions in daily activities. The chisquare test was employed to assess associations between addiction severity and demographic variables (gender, age group), as well as differences in the impact on each domain. Results: Male students exhibited significantly higher levels of gaming addiction than female students (P<0.001), and students aged 12 to 15 were more likely to experience severe addiction than those aged ≥16 years (P=0.030). Game addiction was associated with negative outcomes, particularly emotional disturbances, sleep problems, and disruptions in daily routines. Male students were significantly more affected. However, age-related differences across domains were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Gaming addiction in adolescents is influenced by gender and age and is linked to various emotional, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties. A coordinated response involving parents, schools, and communities is required. Evidence-based strategies—including digital literacy education, emotional resilience training, and accessible mental health support—should be integrated into school-based and community-level interventions to promote healthier digital habits.