Massively multiplayer online role-playing games: comparing characteristics of addict vs non-addict online recruited gamers in a French adult population
2011

Characteristics of Addict vs Non-Addict Online Gamers

Sample size: 448 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Achab Sophia, Nicolier Magali, Mauny Frédéric, Monnin Julie, Trojak Benoit, Vandel Pierre, Sechter Daniel, Gorwood Philip, Haffen Emmanuel

Primary Institution: Besançon University Hospital

Hypothesis

This study aims to screen gamers at potential risk of MMORPG addiction.

Conclusion

The study found high rates of MMORPG addiction and self-reported adverse symptoms in important aspects of life, including mood and sleep.

Supporting Evidence

  • 44.2% of participants showed signs of Internet addiction according to the GIAD scale.
  • 32.6% of participants were identified as at risk of Internet addiction using the ISS.
  • 27.5% of participants screened positive for MMORPG addiction using the DAS.
  • DAS positive gamers reported significantly higher rates of social, financial, marital, and family difficulties.
  • DAS positive gamers self-reported significantly higher rates of irritability and sleep deprivation.

Takeaway

This study looked at people who play online games a lot and found that many of them have problems like feeling sad or not sleeping well.

Methodology

The study used online questionnaires and three different instruments for screening addiction among adult MMORPG gamers.

Potential Biases

Self-reported data may lead to defensive answers from participants.

Limitations

The sample may not be representative as participants were not randomly chosen and were self-reported.

Participant Demographics

Participants were mainly young adult university graduates living alone in urban areas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<10-3

Confidence Interval

95%CI: 23.3-31.6

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-11-144

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