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Cited by 420Impact of Technology on AdolescentsGambling Behavior and TreatmentsDigital Games and Media

Problematic computer game use among adolescents, younger and older adults

Festl, Ruth, Scharkow, Michael, Quandt, Thorsten·2013·Addiction
DOI 10.1111/add.12016
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Abstract

Aims: Playing digital games has been associated with forms of addictive behavior. Past research on the subject has often been criticized on theoretical and empirical grounds, due mainly to measurement or sampling issues. The present study aims to overcome these two limitations, and presents data from a representative study in G ermany using an already established instrument for measuring problematic game use. Design: Large‐scale, representative study using a computer‐assisted telephone survey. Setting: G ermany. Participants: A total of 580 adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, 1866 younger adults between 19–39 years and 1936 older adults aged 40 years and older (overall n = 4382). Measurements: Problematic game use was measured with the G aming A ddiction S hort S cale (GAS), which covers seven criteria including salience, withdrawal and conflicts. Additionally, differential aspects of personality, as well as gaming behaviour, were measured. Findings: Only seven respondents [0.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1, 0.3] met all criteria of the GAS Scale. In contrast, 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1, 4.3) of the respondents can be considered problematic users, meeting at least half these conditions. The percentage of problematic gamers among adolescents is above average (7.6%, 95% CI: 5.6, 10.1). High GAS scores are associated with aggression, low sociability and self‐efficacy and lower satisfaction with life. Additionally, these scores correspond with intensive use and preferences for certain gaming genres across all age groups. Conclusions: Following G aming A ddiction S hort S cale criteria, gaming addiction is currently not a widespread phenomenon among adolescents and adults in G ermany. G aming A ddiction S hort S cale scores are associated with intensive use, as well as certain problematic aspects of individuals' personalities and social lives.

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Authors
Festl, R., Scharkow, M., & Quandt, T.
Affiliations
  • University of Hohenheim (DE)
  • University of Münster (DE)
Corresponding author
Festl, Ruth
ORCID
Venue
Addiction
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2012-11-19
Volume
108
Issue
3
Pages
592-599
ISSN
  • 0965-2140 (ISSN-L)
  • 1360-0443
DOI
10.1111/add.12016
OpenAlex
W1519933583
Cited by
420
References
33
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 20 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 42 · 2022: 31 · 2021: 47 · 2020: 40 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 33 · 2017: 40 · 2016: 33 · 2015: 29 · 2014: 28 · 2013: 10
FWCI
11.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Addiction (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
European Commission
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Digital Games and Media
Keywords
gaming addiction, video games, adolescents, young adults, older adults, aggression, self-efficacy, life satisfaction, sociability, gaming intensity
MeSH terms
Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aggression, Female, Germany, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Personal Satisfaction, Personality Disorders, Prevalence, Behavior, Addictive, Age Distribution, Video Games, Self Efficacy, Young Adult

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