Online Game Engagement, Emotional and Social Behaviors as Correlates of Academic Performance of Junior High School Boys of Malabag National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In an increasingly technology-dependent society, people will continue to use computers not only for business but also for pleasure. As online games grow in popularity, the negative effects of usage should be studied. This research was conducted to determine the relationship between online game engagement and academic performance; emotional behavior and academic performance and social behaviors and academic performance of junior high school boys.

METHODS

The study employed the descriptive correlational research method using sets of questionnaires. The questionnaire used was patterned after the questionnaires used by Avenido Obon (2010) and Vicera (2013), which was modified by the researcher to fit the needs of the study. The questionnaire was divided into two parts: (1) extent of online game engagement, and (2) influence of online gaming to the emotional and social behaviors. Male students from Grade 7 to Grade 10 Level involved in the study. Simple Stratified Sampling techniques were used, fifty male students were chosen to represent each Grade level. A total of 200 students were used to represent junior high school boys.

RESULTS

The results showed that there is no significant correlation between academic performance and the online game rating of the students. In the relationship between academic performance and emotional behavior, the findings indicate that a significant moderately small positive correlation exists between academic performance and emotional behavior of the students. Thus, difficulties in students' academic work or related activities are due to their emotional behavior towards online game engagement. And finally, there is no significant correlation between academic performance and social behavior of the students.

DISCUSSIONS

The results reveal that parent-child relationships (closeness and conflict) were found to be vital to youth adjustment and played a significant role in the association between students Internet/online game use and academic and behavioral outcomes. Future research studies should investigate how students cope with the influx of this rapidly developing technology and its impact on the family relationship. Additionally, parenting programs should incorporate strategies about how the internet/online games can be used as an educational tool to benefit students. The paper concludes with recommendations for future study in order to better understand the growing impact of computers in our youth.