The effect of computer games on the development of anxiety disorders in students

Abstract

Introduction of information and computer technologies in the sphere of entertainment has resulted in negative influence on the health of users. The problem of the impact of virtual space on a person is being studied in many countries. This article presents the results of studying the problem of computer addiction and its effects on sleep disorders and development of anxiety disorders in the computer media users. The study involved 65 students, among them males 44 (67.7%), studying technical specialties in one of the universities in Minsk city. The analysis of computer addiction was carried out by means of the questionnaire developed by Mezianaya K. N., Karaneuski K. M., and Yashin, K. D., titled "Method of Screening Diagnostics of Computer Addiction and Its Health Effects" [The Official Journal of the Republic of Belarus, 2015]. In order to detect anxiety disorders we used the anxiety self-assessment scale by Spielberger-Hanin. It was found that 21.5% of the students surveyed are subject to the computer addiction. 36 persons (55.4%) of the total number surveyed suffer from intrasomnia; they used to say to themselves in a dream: "I just dream it!" Waking up due to fear, anxiety and unpleasant dreams were revealed in 49 persons (76.4%). Analysis of anxiety disorders in students showed that 27 persons (41.5%) had a high level of trait anxiety and 38 persons (58.5%) got a medium level. The study found that computer addiction is one of the causes of sleep and anxiety disorders in students.