Examining the relationship between digital game addiction and peer relations, analytical thinking skills and physical activity competencies in adolescents

In this study, it is aimed to investigate the relationship between digital game addiction, peer relationships, analytical thinking skills, and physical activity proficiency among adolescent individuals attending high school. The sample of the study consisted of 385 students enrolled in three high schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Beyoğlu district of Istanbul during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data were collected using the "Digital Game Addiction Scale," "Peer Relationship Scale," " Analytical Thinking Skills Scale for High School Students," "Physical Activity Proficiency Scale," and "Sociodemographic Information Form." The relational screening model, one of the quantitative research methods, was used in the study. The collected data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson correlation analysis, and simple linear regression analysis to examine the impact of the independent variable on the dependent variables. When the obtained data were evaluated, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the scores obtained from the scales when compared in terms of the variables of digital game addiction, gender, age, grade level, and parental education status. Regarding the Peer Relationship Scale data, a significant difference was found between the scores obtained from the scales when compared based on gender and parental education status, while no significance was found based on grade, age, and Body Mass Index (BMI). When looking at the High School Students Analytical Thinking Scale data, a significant difference was found between the scores obtained from the scales when compared based on grade, age, and BMI. When evaluating the Physical Activity Proficiency Scale data, a significant difference was found between the scores obtained from the scales when compared based on gender and BMI. According to the research findings, it was observed that as digital game addiction increased in adolescents, peer relationships and analytical thinking decreased, while digital game addiction increased when indoor physical activity decreased.