Longitudinal study explores the relationship between social anxiety and internet gaming problems in adolescents, highlighting the need for early intervention.
Key Points
Social anxiety is a significant predictor of internet gaming disorder and binge gaming among adolescents.
About 12.3% and 11.7% of participants were identified with internet gaming disorder at baseline and follow-up, respectively.
The study used cross-lagged models to examine the bidirectional impact of social factors and internet gaming problems.
Identifying social anxiety and binge gaming can help to find adolescents at risk for developing internet gaming disorder.