The impact of video game addiction on aggressive behaviour among tertiary students in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This research examines the impact of video game addiction on aggressive behaviour of tertiary students in Sri Lanka. Video game addiction, with its potential adverse impacts has raised concerns among the public, especially regarding its link to aggressive behaviour. Data was gathered from a sample of 382 undergraduates of local non-state universities selected employing cluster sampling technique to examine the correlation between video game addiction and aggression. The survey was conducted to collect data on video game addiction and aggression. Research findings reveal how gaming addiction leads to aggressive behaviour in addicted gamers indicating a strong positive relationship between video game addiction and aggressive behaviour. Therefore, researchers recommend balanced time management practices between game usage and other daily essential activities and promoting awareness about negative behavioural implication of game addiction. It is expected that this study provides insights to stakeholders including teachers, parents, and administrators to better understand the effects of video game addiction, and mitigation strategies to minimise the negative impact on students’ behaviour.