ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GAMING HABITS AND DIGITAL WELLNESS AMONG YOUTH IN KOCHIA

Sara Treasa Manaly; Lakshmy Ravindran

doi:10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.96

Authors

Sara Treasa Manaly MAJMC Student, Department of Visual Media and Communication, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, Kerala, India Author
Dr. Lakshmy Ravindran Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Media and Communication, School of Arts, Humanities and Commerce, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi Campus, Kerala, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/ShodhVichar.v2.i1.2026.96

Keywords:

Online Gaming, Digital Wellness, Internet Gaming Disorder, Gaming Addiction, Sleep Patterns, Social Interaction, Kochi Youth

Abstract

The quick growth of mobile phones in the 2010s increased screen time among adolescents and young adults (18–25), giving rise to the idea of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Although this study finds the association between gaming habits and digital wellness among youth in Kochi, by applying a mixed-methods approach. Thus, a structured survey was directed to 384 college students and working individuals, supported by in-depth interviews with three practicing psychologists. Findings reveal a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.549, p < .001) between problematic gaming habits and poorer digital wellness. On the contrary, individuals stated mobile-based gaming (76.6%), with peak usage in the evening (41.4%) and late night (34.4%). Whereas experts highlight that extreme online gaming — particularly late- night sessions — disturbs sleep cycles, affects cognitive functioning, and reduces real-world social involvement. The study concludes that balanced digital habits, parental guidance, and institutional awareness programs are essential to safeguarding the well-being of youth in rapidly urbanizing digital environments.

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