The Impact of Online Game Addiction on Students

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 49 views

The Effect of Self-Control on Online Game Addiction to Medan Students

Introduction

In the current digital era, addiction to online games has become an increasingly serious problem, especially among students. The rapid development of technology has made it easier for people to access online games, which can lead to addiction. A study conducted in Medan aims to understand the effect of self-control on online game addiction among students. This study uses quantitative methods, using a self-control scale developed by Tangney, Baumeister, and Boone in 2004, as well as the Game Addiction Scale (GAS) introduced by Lemmens in 2009. The subject of this study was a student in Medan City, with data analysis using simple linear regression methods.

The Importance of Self-Control in Reducing Online Game Addiction

Self-control is a crucial factor in reducing online game addiction. Individuals with high self-control capabilities tend to be better in managing time and restrictions in playing games. They are better able to reject the desire to play when there are other more important things that must be completed, such as college assignments or social activities. On the other hand, students with low self-control may have difficulty limiting themselves, so they are more vulnerable to addiction. They tend to ignore academic and social responsibility for the satisfaction offered by the game. This not only has an impact on academic achievement, but can also affect their mental and physical health.

The Role of Educational Institutions in Developing Self-Control

The importance of self-control development among students cannot be ignored. Campuses and educational institutions can play a vital role in this case by providing training programs that focus on developing self-management skills and time management. In addition, awareness of the negative impact of online game addiction needs to be improved through seminars, workshops, and group discussions. By providing support and resources, educational institutions can help students develop the skills they need to manage their time and avoid addiction.

The Impact of Online Game Addiction on Students

Online game addiction can have a significant impact on students' academic achievement, mental health, and physical health. Students who are addicted to online games may experience decreased academic performance, social isolation, and decreased physical activity. They may also experience mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. In addition, online game addiction can lead to social problems, such as decreased social skills and increased conflict with family and friends.

The Results of the Study

The results of this study showed that self-control had a negative effect on online game addiction to students in Medan. This means that the higher a person's self-control level, the lower the risk they are addicted to online games. Self-control in this study contributed 31% to the level of online game addiction, while the remaining 69% were influenced by other factors that were not focused in this study. This shows that good self-control development can be the first step to reduce game addiction among students.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that self-control has a significant influence in reducing online game addiction among Medan students. The increase in self-control is not only the responsibility of individuals, but also involves support from the surrounding environment, including educational institutions. With the increase in self-control, students are expected to be able to live a more balanced life, between studies and entertainment, and avoid the risk of addiction to online games that can harm themselves.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations can be made:

Educational institutions should provide training programs that focus on developing self-management skills and time management.
Awareness of the negative impact of online game addiction needs to be improved through seminars, workshops, and group discussions.
Parents and guardians should be involved in monitoring their children's online game usage and providing guidance on responsible gaming habits.
Online game developers should consider implementing features that promote responsible gaming habits, such as time limits and parental controls.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only focused on self-control as a predictor of online game addiction, and did not consider other potential predictors, such as personality traits or social support. Finally, the study only used a quantitative approach, and did not collect qualitative data to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study by exploring other potential predictors of online game addiction, such as personality traits or social support. Additionally, qualitative research can be conducted to provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue and to identify potential solutions. Finally, longitudinal studies can be conducted to examine the long-term effects of online game addiction on students' academic achievement, mental health, and physical health.

References

Tangney, J. P., Baumeister, R. F., & Boone, A. L. (2004). High self-control predicts good adjustment, less substance abuse, and better interpersonal relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86(2), 299-312.
Lemmens, J. S. (2009). The Game Addiction Scale (GAS): A new measure for assessing game addiction. Computers in Human Behavior, 25(5), 1038-1045.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Effect of Self-Control on Online Game Addiction

Q: What is online game addiction?

A: Online game addiction is a condition where individuals become excessively engaged in online gaming, often to the point of neglecting their physical and mental health, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

Q: What is self-control, and how does it relate to online game addiction?

A: Self-control refers to the ability to regulate one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in order to achieve goals and avoid negative consequences. In the context of online game addiction, self-control is the ability to limit one's gaming time and avoid excessive engagement in online games.

Q: What are the consequences of online game addiction?

A: Online game addiction can have serious consequences, including decreased academic performance, social isolation, decreased physical activity, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, and social problems such as decreased social skills and increased conflict with family and friends.

Q: How can self-control help reduce online game addiction?

A: Self-control can help reduce online game addiction by allowing individuals to regulate their gaming time and avoid excessive engagement in online games. Individuals with high self-control capabilities tend to be better in managing time and restrictions in playing games, and are less likely to become addicted.

Q: What are some strategies for developing self-control?

A: Some strategies for developing self-control include:

Setting clear goals and priorities
Creating a schedule and sticking to it
Avoiding triggers and temptations
Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness
Seeking support from friends, family, or a therapist

Q: Can online game addiction be treated?

A: Yes, online game addiction can be treated. Treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, support groups, and self-help strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach to treating online game addiction, as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Q: What role can educational institutions play in preventing online game addiction?

A: Educational institutions can play a vital role in preventing online game addiction by providing training programs that focus on developing self-management skills and time management. They can also provide resources and support for students who are struggling with online game addiction.

Q: What can parents and guardians do to help prevent online game addiction in their children?

A: Parents and guardians can help prevent online game addiction in their children by:

Monitoring their children's online game usage
Setting clear rules and limits
Encouraging physical activity and other hobbies
Modeling healthy gaming habits themselves
Seeking support from a therapist or counselor if needed

Q: What are some signs that a child may be struggling with online game addiction?

A: Some signs that a child may be struggling with online game addiction include:

Spending excessive amounts of time playing games
Neglecting physical activity, social relationships, and daily responsibilities
Experiencing mood swings, irritability, or anxiety
Hiding or lying about gaming habits
Showing a decline in academic performance or other areas of life

Q: What can be done to prevent online game addiction in the future?

A: To prevent online game addiction in the future, it is essential to:

Develop and implement effective prevention programs in schools and communities
Educate parents and guardians about the risks of online game addiction
Encourage responsible gaming habits and provide resources for support
Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs
Develop and implement policies and regulations to prevent online game addiction.