proliferation of mobile gaming addiction

8/12/2019 Proliferation of Mobile Gaming Addiction

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I. Introduction

Mobile phones nowadays are the most widely used device by many

people. It is very convenient to carry, it features many functions and it is used

primarily for communication. There are many companies that release many

versions of mobile phones and as the time passed, mobile phones are innovating

very fast. From the graphics, specifications, memories, and functions, mobile

phones are evolving very fast.

One of the features of mobile phones is having mobile games. This

feature is for entertainment. Aside from the communicative function of mobile

phones, this function is most used by many people. They play games for different

reasons, and because technologies today are also improving, more games are

also released that features higher graphics, more challenging and fun. These

characteristics of mobile games make it addictive. Many people are getting

hooked in mobile gaming because it provides entertainment, it can be a pastime

to them when they feel bored. Some people want to challenge themselves with

mind games. Others want to compete with their friends and families. Othersprefer to try something new games.

Objectives:

1) To seek knowledge about mobile gaming

2) To gain information regarding mobile gaming addiction

3) To site the effects of mobile gaming addiction

4) To know the reasons why people engage themselves in mobile gaming


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II. Body

Review of Related Literature

According to Ofir Turel (n.d.), an information and decision scientist at

California State University said: Games can be addictive. Anything that provides

the brain a reward has the potential to become addictive.

A. Mobile Gaming

Mobile games are the applications in mobile phones that provide

entertainment to the users. It is a video game played on different kinds of mobile

phones. Mobile games are designed for mobile devices, such as smartphones,

feature phones, pocket PCs, personal digital assistants (PDA), tablet PCs , and

portable media players. Mobile games range from basic (like Snake on Nokia

phones) to sophisticated (those 3d augmented games). Mobile phones

nowadays, particularly smartphones, have a wide range of connectivity features,

including infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3g. These technological features make

the mobile phones to connect to each other thus making the games to be played

with multiplayers.

The first mobile game on a mobile phone was a Tetris game on the

Hagenuk MT-2000 device from 1994. Nowadays, mobile games are advanced

and have more improved graphics that makes it very fascinating to play.

Advanced mobile games require fast central processing units (CPU), dedicated

graphics processing units (GPU), large random access memory (RAM), and high

resolution display screens. For most smartphones, some games may not work

for it needs a higher version of the system of mobile phone.

The latest mobile gaming trends today are the augmented reality games.

These games combine a real world environment with advanced computer

graphics to provide the effect of augmented reality. An example is the Sky Siege,

where a player shoots virtual helicopters that appear to fly around the room. In

actuality, a live image of the players room is captured by the device camera and


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fled to the display screen, resulting in augmented reality to the player.

(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-1.485139)

a. Examples of mobile games

These are some example of mobile games which make people get hooked

and addicted to it. These games are mostly played in mobile phones that

features high resolution displays, colored and sometimes 3d graphics. Some of

these games are kept played by many people even there are many new games

released in the market.

1) Angry Birds

The original version of this game may no longer be as popular as it used

to be but the Angry Birds brand name continues to live on in other forms. There

are eight versions of this game and a more current version, Angry Birds Star

Wars II, seems to have a good following.

The aim of the game is to catapult the birds and destroy the Pig troopers

that are protected by woods, blocks and helmets. Scores are represented by

stars and there are many levels in this game. Whats more, there are also many

versions of the game that features many places and new abilities. One example

is the Angry Birds Star Wars in which you can use the Force, wield their

Lightsaber, and blast away Pig troopers on intergalactic journey.

(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-

1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)

2) Temple Run 2

This game is just as good as the first Temple Run. It might be intimidating

at first but once you start swiping through the many escape routes, you'll find it to

be quite simple and from there on, a little difficult to stop playing.
http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-


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The aim of the game is to run from the evil monkeys and along the way to

escape, you have to avoid obstacles. You just have to swipe your screen to the

right way to jump across the gaps and going through pathways. You can also tilt

your device so that the runner can go either left or right. As you go farther in the

game, your speed is also increasing. There are power-ups in the game and you

have to grab it quickly because they are temporary.



3) Candy Crush Saga

Candy Crush is a game about mixing and matching candies then havingthem crushed. This instruction might be an easy task but whats challenging to

this game is that there is only limited number of moves. You need to reach the

specific amount of points and do the quest in some levels to advance to the next

level. This game can be played in Facebook and smartphones that are

compatible.

There are about 45 million users of this game every month. Some of them

reach high numbers of levels. Looking at the map, you will be looking far away

from the end. (http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-


4) Plants vs. Zombies 2

This game is the improved version of Plants vs. Zombies. At this game, it

features enhanced 3d graphics. The aim of the game is to prevent the zombies

from entering your house by planting plants. Once you advance to every level,

there are bonus items, plants, and new zombies. There are also mini games in

which you can play and enjoy new activities.


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5) Flappy Birds

This game became a hit in a short period of time but the developer took it

out from the app stores recently. However, those who already downloaded it in

their phones can still play this game. The aim of this game is to steer a pixel bird

with intense tapping through metal pipes that appear randomly in different

heights. You just have to time your tap to avoid the bird from colliding with the

pipes or else, the game will be over.

Nobody knows why this game is very addicting but once you start playing,

it will be difficult to stop. If you still want to play this game and you havent

downloaded it, you can try some other clone games from the market. Some

people are also offering their prices for their phones which the original FlappyBirds game. (http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-


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B. Mobile Gaming Addiction

Mobile gaming addiction refers to excessive mobile gaming that results to

some negative consequences. The causes of mobile gaming addiction are not

only based on the features of mobile games but also to the situations of the

people who get addicted in it. Mobile games serves as pastime to some people

who used to get bored in their homes or sometimes in their work. When mobile

gaming becomes excessive, it can result to negative consequences.

The participants to this addiction have sometimes no limit in age because

even kids learn to play games in mobile phones and other devices. As a child,

they are easily fascinated in games especially when they know and admire the

characters in the game they play. Adults and parents are also prone to this kind

of addiction. When there are opportunities and vacant times, they try to play

some games and when they are attracted, they will play again and again. They

will not notice that one day they are hooked and addicted in a certain mobile

game.

a. Causes of Mobile Gaming Addiction

These are some of the causes of mobile gaming addiction. Some causes

listed below are not only based on the features of the game but also on the

situation of the person.

(http://www.infosolutionsgroup.com/2011_PopCap_Mobile_Phone_Games_

Presentation.pdf)

1. Mobile games are fun

Mobile games are created for entertainment and fun. From the simple to

sophisticated, games have many kinds and categories. Some games are

categorized as mind and logic games, racing, adventure, quest, shooting,

gambling, etc. There are different instructions and goals in games and this


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makes the game exciting especially when it is challenging. Some games are very

simple to look at but they are hard to play. Other games are easy but require

patience and long time to wait for you to advance level. Even how difficult or easy

the game is, it is fun and entertaining.

2. Distraction from the issues of daily life

Mobile games are fun and entertaining. This characteristic of mobile

games can distract us from what we are doing. We can use our mobile phone

and play games to distract us from the daily issues in our lives. While we are

playing games, we forget the things that we should be doing, we can also forget

our problems but that will be for the time that you are playing games on your

phone. But the truth is, we cant escape reality by the world that we are seeing in

mobile games.

3. Boredom savior/Pastime reliever

When we are not doing anything, we always bear in mind that we can

entertain ourselves with mobile games. Most people play games on their mobile

phone as their pastime and when they have vacant time. People who also work

in the offices play games when they are in a break. This can be a distraction to

their work as if they were always thinking what they play in the phone, what they

are planning to do, and some events in which they have a good game.

4. Connecting them to friends and family

Some mobile games today are featuring multiplayer which sometimes

uses connectivity features like Bluetooth, internet, and Wi-Fi. This makes the

game exciting because you are playing with other people not just always with

computers. Through there connectivity features, people can connect with other


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people, with their friends, families and clans in the game. This is one of the

advantages of playing mobile games because it also provides communication to

different people with far distances from each other.

b. Effects of Mobile Gaming Addiction

These are some of the effects of mobile gaming addiction. Some of the

effects involve physical consequences because playing mobile games on the

phone excessively greatly affects our health. We dont always notice these

effects immediately because we are distracted by our gaming. We should not

play too much in our mobile phones because it consumes our time and it

consumes much energy in electricity.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

This syndrome has long been associated with computer use, so its not

surprising that this is a physical symptom of mobile gaming addiction. Carpal

tunnel syndrome is caused when the main nerve between the forearm and hand

is squeezed or pressed. This occurs when the carpal tunnel - the area of the

wrist that houses the main nerve and tendons - becomes irritated or swollen.

(http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

2. Migraines

Migraine headaches typically start in one spot and slowly spread, getting

more painful as they progress. In severe cases, the pain can be so extreme that

it causes the sufferer to vomit. Light and noise can cause excruciating pain.

Someone who plays mobile games for extended periods of time is more prone to

migraines because of the intense concentration required and the strain put on the

eyes. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)


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3. Sleep disturbances

The term "sleep disturbances" covers several sleep-related disorders,

including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus (periodic legor arms jerks during sleep), and parasomnia (i.e., night terrors, sleepwalking or

talking, and nightmares). Sleep disturbances are caused, in part, by

overstimulation of the brain. However, some people can't get a good night's sleep

simply because they think obsessively about the game they're playing.


4. Backaches

Backaches are a common physical symptom of gaming addiction

because most gamers stay seated in the same position for hours on end. The

lack of movement causes stiffness and soreness, but could deteriorate into

chronic back problems. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-

consequences.html)

5. Eating irregularities

Eating irregularities are caused by gaming addiction simply

because most addicted gamers don't want to take the time to eat properly.

Rather than eating healthy, balanced meals, they eat food that is quick and

usually unhealthy. In extreme cases, the gamer may choose not to eat at all.



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6. Poor personal hygiene

An addicted gamer is not going to take the time to properly care for

himself. Showers, face-washing, and brushing hair and teeth all get put on theback burner. It simply becomes less of a priority, if it's a priority at all.These

physical consequences will occur in varying degrees from one gamer to another.

Though the severity of physical consequences is often tied to the severity of the

addiction, this is not always the case. A gamer that is already in poor physical

condition will be more susceptible to these effects early on. (http://www.video-

game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

7. Vision problems

Excessive mobile phone gaming can adversely affect your vision.

Staring too long at close, small objects can lead to near-sightedness. While there

is debate as to the exact causes of myopia, studies have shown a correlation

between myopia and excessive use of technology such as computers and cell

phones. (http://www.ehow.com/list_5860688_negative-effects-mobile-phone-

games.html)


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III. Conclusion

Based on our survey, we tabulated the results and the following tables

show the respondents answers to our questions.

Table 1Sex Male Female

Percentage 57% 43%

Table 1 shows the percentage of the respondents sex. There are 57%

male students and there are 43% females who responded in the survey.

Table 2Age 14-15 16-17 18 and above

Percentage 0% 90% 10%

Table 2 shows the percentage of the age bracket of the respondents.

Table 3No. of days students

use their mobile phone

in a week

1day

2days

3days

4days

5days

6days

7days

Percentage 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 100%

Table 3 shows the number of days the students use their mobile phone in

a week.

Table 4No. of hours the students usetheir mobile phone in a day

1-2hours

3-4hours

5-6hours

7-8hours

9-10hours

Percentage 10% 27% 23% 0% 3%

Table 4 shows the number of hours students use their mobile phone in a

day.


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Table 5No. of hours the students play

games on their mobile phone ina day

1-2hours

3-4hours

5-6hours

7-8hours

9-10hours

Percentage 77% 10% 10% 0% 3%

Table 5 shows the number of hours students play games on their mobile

phone in a day.

Table 6

No. of gamesinstalled in theirmobile games

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Percentage 33% 10% 20% 10% 10% 7% 3% 3% 3%

Table 6 shows how many students has the certain number of games

installed in their mobile phone.

Table 7

Game

Percentage of

students

playing

Game

Percentage of

students

playing

Game

Percentage of

students

playing4 Pics 1Word

3%Flappy

Bird10%

Pokemonemerald

3%

Avenger 3% Jetpack 7% Pou 17%

DragonMania

3%MagicSushi

3%Ragnaro

kValkyrie

7%

Dungeon Quest

3%NaturePark

3%SoccerGame

3%

FishingDiary

13%Paperairplan

e3% Zombie

Tsunami33%

Table 7 shows the games that the students are playing and the

percentage of students playing a particular game.


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Table 8Reasons for

playinggames

EntertainmentCompetingwith other

playersFame

Challengingones self

Percentage 73% 7% 0% 20%

Table 8 shows the reasons of students for playing mobile games and the

percentage of students who responded in these reasons.

Table 9Aspects that

may be affectedwhen playing

games on yourmobile phone

Family Friends Studies

Percentage 17% 20% 63%

Table 9 shows the aspects that may be affected when playing games onyour mobile phones and the percentage of students who responded in these

aspects.

Table 10In the chosen aspect of the respondents, they

answered if the effect to this aspect is good or badGood Bad

Percentage 50% 50%

Table 10 shows the effects of the chosen aspect whether it is good or bad.

Table 11The respondents classify themselves if they are an

addicted mobile gamer or notYes No


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Percentage 27% 73%

Table 11 shows the classification of respondents to themselves if they are

an addicted mobile gamer or not.

Table 12Effects of

usingmobilephones

excessively

HeadacheBlurredvision

Numbnessof hands

Stiffneck

Neglectingstudies

Scoldedby

parents

Percentage 47% 37% 13% 23% 37% 23%

Table 12 shows the effects of using mobile phones excessively and the

percentage of respondents who are affected.


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IV. Recommendations

1. Students must be aware that mobile gaming addiction can cause to

negative factors as well as to the neglecting of their studies.

2. Students should be reminded to how mobile gaming reduces their physical

works.

3. In playing mobile games, students should be wise enough to control

themselves from addiction.

4. Students should limit themselves in playing mobile games.

5. Students should only use their mobile phone whenever it is needed.

6. Other researchers who will conduct similar study may further research

about it or more.

proliferation of mobile gaming addiction

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