Impact of internet gaming disorder on mental well-being: prevalence and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults

Introduction: The rapid advancement of technology has led to the emergence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), characterized by excessive engagement in online gaming and significant impairment in daily functioning. The addictive nature of gaming has raised concerns about its psychological impact, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 548 participants aged 15 years and older, recruited from various educational institutions. Participants were categorized into IGD and regular gamer groups who were engaged in online gaming without meeting the diagnostic criteria for IGD. Data collection included demographic information, gaming habits, and psychological assessment using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: Of the participants, 18.79% were identified with IGD. Significant associations were found between IGD and various factors, including gender (p = 0.049), gaming partner (p = 0.034), gaming device (p = 0.042), time spent gaming (p = 0.041), duration of gaming (p = 0.031), and sleep duration (p = 0.04). Psychological evaluations revealed a strong correlation between gaming addiction and psychological distress. Participants with IGD reported significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, with a notable proportion falling into the "severe" and "extremely severe" categories as classified by the DASS-21. Conclusion: The findings underscore the significant prevalence of IGD and its adverse psychological impacts. This study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and mental health support for individuals displaying symptoms of gaming addiction. Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects of IGD and to develop effective strategies for mitigating its psychological consequences.