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@article{189683,
        author = {Raakhee A.S and Aiswarya Lekshmi K.S},
        title = {Online Gaming Engagement And Its Link To Depression Among College Students},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {7399-7405},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189683},
        abstract = {The rapid growth of online gaming has led to increased participation among college students, raising concerns about its potential impact on mental health. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the duration of online gaming and depression among college students. A normative survey method was employed for the investigation. The sample consisted of 300 college students from Kerala, selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Depression was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale developed by Radloff (1977). One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze differences in depression levels based on the duration of online gaming.
The results revealed a statistically significant difference in depression among students categorized by their duration of online gaming (F = 6.06, p < 0.01). Further analysis using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test indicated that students who engaged in online gaming for more than six hours per day reported the highest levels of depression, followed by those gaming for three to six hours, while students gaming for one to three hours exhibited the lowest levels of depressive symptoms. These findings suggest a positive association between prolonged online gaming and increased depression.
The study concludes that excessive online gaming poses a significant risk to the mental well-being of college students. While moderate gaming may have recreational benefits, prolonged engagement can contribute to psychological distress. The findings highlight the need for awareness, early intervention, and the promotion of balanced gaming habits to safeguard students’ mental health.},
        keywords = {},
        month = {December},
        }