Digital Well-Being and Online Gaming Among Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence and Social Support

Abstract

The fast growth of digital technology and the immense appeal of online gaming have profoundly altered the daily routines of teenagers. Although gaming on the internet may be a fun way to pass the time, improve one's brainpower, and connect with others, playing too much or without moderation can have detrimental effects on one's mental health, scholastic success, and relationships. With a focus on the mediating functions of emotional intelligence and social support, this research seeks to examine the relationship between teenage online gaming and digital health. This research aims to provide light on whether or not teenagers' perceived social support and emotional intelligence mitigate the detrimental impact of problematic online gaming on their digital well-being. Adolescent pupils are surveyed using a standardised questionnaire in this study, which employs a quantitative research approach. Utilising descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and mediation analysis, data will be examined using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) or PROCESS Macro. Using emotional intelligence and social support as intermediaries, the theoretical framework demonstrates that digital well-being is affected by online gaming. Adolescents who score higher on measures of emotional intelligence and who report higher levels of support from their families and friends are more likely to engage in healthy gaming habits and report higher levels of digital well-being. This research is anticipated to contribute to the current literature on digital behaviour among adolescents by providing empirical data from the Indian setting. In order to promote responsible gaming, increase emotional competences, and boost supportive social situations for teenagers, educators, parents, mental health experts, and policymakers might use the study's results to design solutions. In the long run, the study's findings will help improve young people's mental and social health in today's hyper-connected society by paving the way for more positive digital habits.