Utilizing Photovoice to Explore the Lived Experiences and Impacts of Internet Gaming Addiction Among Young Adults in South Korea

Background and Purpose: Internet gaming addiction has become increasingly prevalent during young adulthood, a critical period for transitioning into adult life. In South Korea, this issue is intensified by the high academic stress associated with intense competition for university admission and a pervasive gaming culture. Internet gaming addiction profoundly affects not only the physical and mental health of young adults but also their overall well-being, including relationships, daily routine, and future aspirations. Despite growing recognition of its impact, there has been a lack of qualitative research capturing the lived experiences of individuals dealing with internet gaming addition. This study explored these lived experiences, focusing on critical aspects of life during young adulthood, using photovoice.

Methods: Participants were recruited using purposive sampling through an online community of college students. Seven young adults, aged 22 to 24 years, met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 criteria for internet gaming disorder. The sample included five college students and two graduate students. This study employed photovoice, enabling participants to reflect on their experiences and fostering critical dialogue through photos they take. In five 2-hour sessions, participants spent the first session selecting four themes they wished to photograph; the following four sessions focused on group discussions to explore and share their experiences related to each theme.

Findings: Thematic analysis revealed 17 subthemes within four participant-selected themes: (a) the meaning of game in my life, (b) when realizations emerge while gaming, (c) what I give up because of gaming, and (d) navigating life while managing gaming. Participants reported that gaming held irreplaceable meaning in their lives by displacing priorities, offering enjoyment that is absent in real life, boosting confidence through in-game achievements, and fostering indirect connections to reality. However, they also identified critical challenges, including disheartening losses despite substantial effort, diminished enjoyment due to playing under pressure, persistent preoccupation with gaming thoughts, and an inability to find satisfaction in real life. Additionally, participants described sacrifices made due to gaming, such as losing valuable time with family, breakdown of healthy lifestyle routines, long-term efforts toward personal development, and a sense of lost identity. They aspired to a life focused on balancing career ambitions with long-term goals beyond gaming, building meaningful and supportive social connections, prioritizing well-being over gaming, and engaging in games as a form of balanced leisure to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion and Implications: This study highlighted the significant meaning and varied impacts of gaming on the lives of young adults, despite their awareness of the challenges and losses associated with addiction. The findings suggest that reflecting on how internet gaming addiction has shaped their experiences can help individuals recognize the importance of balancing life beyond gaming, which may lead to enhanced well-being. Social work professionals can play a crucial role in developing targeted strategies to address gaming addiction by supporting individuals in cultivating a balanced life and managing their gaming habits effectively. These strategies can mitigate the negative effects of internet gaming addiction and promote healthier lifestyles.