Investigation of digital game addiction in middle school students in the context of academic achievement and peer relationships; a mixed pattern research

The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of digital game addiction on academic success and peer relations in secondary school students. For this purpose, a mixed method combining quantitative and qualitative research was used to examine the research from different aspects. Within the scope of the research, concurrent mixed method research was preferred. Within the scope of the quantitative dimension, 440 participants from a central secondary school in Muğla in Dalaman were included in the research. The participants consist of secondary school students aged 10-14, attending 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Most of the participants are aged between 12-13 and most of them have medium income levels. Data were collected by applying the digital game addiction scales developed by Irmak and Erdoğan (2015) and the peer relations scales developed by Kaner (1998) to these participants. The data obtained was analyzed through SPSS 27 program. In the qualitative dimension; Parents of 10 students who differed from each other in terms of whether they had a computer at home, whether they played digital games, and their grade point averages were selected. These parents were interviewed using a pre-prepared semi-structured interview form. Data obtained from face-to-face interviews were analyzed with the MAXQDA qualitative research program. Within the scope of the research, participants' digital game addictions and peer relationships; While no difference could be detected between them based on variables such as gender, computer ownership, age and income level; It was understood that there was a significant difference between digital game addiction, social media usage time, computer tablet usage time and school grade point averages. These differences; It is in favor of students whose social media, computer and tablet usage time is 4 hours or more and whose GPA is between 20-49 points. In addition, within the scope of the qualitative dimension of the research; It has been understood that digital game addiction has reflections on children's psychology, and that these reflections have an impact on children's communication and imagination. It has been observed that game addiction also creates changes in children's behavior. The main changes observed are personality disorder and attention deficit. Another effect of digital game addiction on children is their reactions to the events around them. According to the results of the research, children may reproach or act carelessly in the face of events. Changes were also observed in the reactions of children addicted to digital games towards their families, and it was understood that they were reluctant to spend time with their families. Key Words: Peer Relations, Academic Achievement, Addiction, Digital Game, Game, Secondary School