Investigation of the relationship between digital game addiction levels and socialization processes of youth who attend youth and sports courses

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the levels of digital game addiction and socialization processes of youth participating in youth and sports courses organized by the Gümüşhane Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports. Within the scope of the research, necessary official permissions were obtained from the Gümüşhane University Ethics Committee and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports. The sample consisted of 305 young individuals (177 females, 128 males) who participated in various course branches. Participants were administered a demographic information form, the Socialization Scale, and the Digital Game Addiction Scale.The data obtained from the research were analyzed using the IBM SPSS 25.0 statistical software. In the analysis process, in addition to descriptive statistical methods, reliability analyses, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analyses, which are among the parametric tests, were utilized. Mean and frequency values were calculated through descriptive statistics, and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the measurement tools.The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between the participants' digital game addiction levels and their socialization processes. It was determined that individuals who displayed excessive digital gaming behaviors showed notably lower levels of socialization. Moreover, variables such as gender, age, course duration, and gaming habits were found to cause statistically significant differences in digital game addiction and socialization levels.Based on these results, recommendations were presented to reduce digital game addiction among youth, to increase social activities, to support sports-based interactions, and to raise awareness among families.