Effects of Online Games in the Academic Performance of Selected Grade 12 Students of General Academic Strand at Bestlink College of the Philippines

Abstract

Online Games are video games attracting millions of players especially young adults all around the world. Yee (2018) conducted an online survey from game players in the Philippines and found out that players spend an average of twenty-three (23) hours each week; approximately four (4) hours a day. Online games have been deeply embedded in the daily lives of gamers. Young adults play these games just for fun, as a stress reliever, and/or an escape from the household house not knowing that it may lead to poor academic performance. The Descriptive Method is used in this study. It aims to determine the effects of online games on the academic performance of selected GAS/PA Grade 12 students of Bestlink College of the Philippines. This method uses interviews, survey questionnaires, and simple statistics to analyze the data collected. The questionnaires were floated to fifty (50) students randomly selected from GAS Grade 12. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed to determine the effects of online games on the students’ academic performance. Many students who participated in the survey had identified several causes and effects of online games in the academic performance of GAS Grade 12 students in Bestlink College of the Philippines. The respondents made use of the different technological media, not to mention the presence of computer shops around the vicinity making online games accessible. Most gamers, mostly young adult males, spent several hours playing online games which resulted in the lack of sleep, eventually leading to absenteeism, inactivity in the different class activities, and other signs of personal anxiety. They developed an addiction to games, giving it priority than reviewing lesson/s in preparation for the quizzes, long tests, and periodical examinations. Due to excessive playing, players often leave their school work unattended resulting in poor academic performance and, eventually, failing grades. The results show that the scholastic rating of the gamers was very low, if not failing grades. These findings demonstrate the need for intervention to make the gamers realize the importance to prioritize studies over online games. Parents and teachers should work together to counteract the raising problems brought about by too much online gaming.