Gaming Addiction and Sleep Quality among Early Adolescents: A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural School Students – Dindigul District

We live in the era of online games; they are a necessary evil of this decade. But the most
common problem we face is the misuse of the internet, particularly for playing games. In
particular, addiction to games is more prevalent among adolescents. Early adolescence,
especially school students, are more vulnerable to this game addiction, and it reflects on their
change in biological cycle. The sleep cycle is primarily affected, which indirectly leads to
faulty lifestyle modifications. Their learning ability decreases, poor focus on studies, lack of
concentration, and mental and social consequences are most commonly observed among
these early adolescents. This paper presents a cross-sectional study of selected schools in the
urban and rural areas of Dindigul District. The sample comprises 80 students selected via
convenience sampling. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS. Common statistical tests
used were Descriptive Statistics, Independent t-test, correlation analysis, and Regression
Analysis. Descriptive statistics highlight that high mean values (above 4.00) on a 5-point
Likert scale indicate that most students agree or strongly agree with the gaming addiction
behaviors listed. The mean scores range from 3.80 to 4.05 on a 5-point scale, and the
standard deviations range from 1.10 to 1.26, indicating that most students agree that they
experience sleep-related problems. Pearson correlation, r = 0.461, which shows there is a
moderate positive correlation between gaming addiction and sleep quality problems among
the selected students. The t-test shows urban school students show higher levels of gaming
addiction and slightly poorer sleep quality compared to rural school students. An
independent sample T-test shows a significant difference in gaming addiction between
urban and rural school students. Suggestions can be provided on balanced digital use.
Parents can be advised to encourage family time without screens. Positive reinforcement and
awareness campaigns in school can be arranged more frequently. Meditation sessions can be
integrated into the school curriculum.
Keywords: Early Adolescence, Gaming Addiction, Sleep disorders, positive reinforcement,
Mental consequences

Early Adolescence, Gaming Addiction, Sleep disorders, positive reinforcement, Mental consequences

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