Social influences as risk factors for internet gaming disorder

Abstract

The rise of the internet and online video gaming has led to some individuals becoming over invested in gaming. In some cases this may lead to the development of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Current addiction models have focused on examining individual risk factors related to problematic gaming. However an area that has received less attention is social influences on problematic gaming. Video gaming has become a highly social activity and preliminary research suggests the social features of games may change problem gaming behaviours. This study aimed to examine social influences related to the risk of IGD for young adults. It also explored whether social influences could be contributing to increased game-related spending. An online questionnaire was completed by 374 young adults through internet gaming forums. Participants were required to answer questions about their own and their friends’ video game playing, spending habits and engagement with other social influences, such as internet streamers. Three psychological measures measuring impulsivity, psychological distress and IGD were included in the survey. The results demonstrated there were modest relationships between social influences, spending, and IGD symptoms. Problem gamers were found to report significantly more social engagement, such as watching streamer content. Significant links were found between certain types of video game spending, for example monthly purchasing of loot boxes and meeting the criteria for IGD. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for different sub-types of problem gamers and highlight future directions for addiction research.