Exploring the Impact of Physical Inactivity on Digital Gaming Attitudes and Addiction among Secondary School Students

Abstract

The escalating concern regarding internet and digital game addiction among pre-adolescent children and its potential link to psychological issues prompted this study, aimed at evaluating digital game addiction levels and attitudes towards gaming in secondary school students. Conducted with a sample of 897 students from Ankara, Türkiye, the study employed a survey method, utilizing the "Attitude Scale towards Digital Game Addiction and Digital Games". Results indicated significant gender differences in addiction levels and attitudes, with boys showing higher scores. Age also played a role, with seventh graders exhibiting the lowest and eighth graders the highest addiction behaviors. Notably, those engaged in martial arts games and using consoles for gaming reported the highest addiction and positive attitude scores. The study underscores the prevalent issue of digital game addiction among youths, suggesting a strong correlation with physical inactivity. It concludes that promoting physical activity is essential not only for physical health but also as a preventative measure against the development of psychological issues stemming from digital game addiction. Keywords: digital game addiction, adolescent psychology, physical inactivity, secondary school students, attitudes towards gaming, gender differences in gaming, gaming platforms, behavioral impacts of gaming