SHAPING YOUNG MINDS IN PAKISTAN: IMPACT OF EXCESSIVE GAMING ON CHILDREN'S PERCEPTIONS AND GENDER BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Thus, this study aims to capture the children’s point of view and their understanding of extreme video game utilization, especially video game dependence. Specifically, the more time that is spent on playing a particular game, the greater the emphasis that becomes placed on that particular game and the more addictive it becomes; this aspect has been noted in both psychological perspectives and media. The research seeks to find out how many hours boys and girls spend in gaming and if there are any differences. A cross-sectional descriptive research, employing semi-structured group and individual interviews was used among children of 8-15 years from Pakistan. The subjects selected were 15 boys of age group 8-15 years, and 15 girls of age group 8-15 years. This study obtained themes that highlighted that the negative effects of excessive playing of video games include; change of behaviour, social relationships, and personality. These findings support prior research that indicates that excessive gaming is damaging. The study recommends the need for future work to establish the developmental outcomes of video game addiction and to 
determine the general requirements for intervention aiming at enhancing the appropriate utilization of video games.