JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to empirically examine the impact of consumer videogame engagement dimensions on videogame addiction. The dimensions include dedication, absorption, conscious attention, social connection, enthusiasm, and interaction. We utilize the uses and gratification theory (UGT) to study the videogame engagement dimensions as potential factors through which gamers feel gratified and engaged in videogame playing. Additionally, this study incorporates the cultivation theory to investigate how videogame engagement factors trigger videogame addiction. A two-step process is applied for data analysis on valid cases aged 15-25 years: videogame addiction is specified and validated as a reflective-formative construct, and hypothesis testing is later carried out using the WarpPLS on valid respondents. The analysis uncovers two dimensions of video game engagement: social connection and interaction, significantly influencing video game addiction. This study offers unique insights to a myriad of stakeholders, mostly psychologists, and psychiatrists, who routinely prescribe behavior modification techniques to treat videogame addiction.