Do gamers have social anxiety?

Do Gamers Have Social Anxiety?

The question that has sparked debate and concern in recent years: do gamers experience social anxiety? The answer is, yes, but also, it’s complicated.

According to a study published in 2020, 80% of problematic gamers (those who display addiction-like behaviors) are at a higher risk of developing social anxiety, along with depression, anxiety, and ADHD (World Health Organization, 2020).

Another study found that up to 92% of problem gamers struggle with anxiety, while 89% experienced depression (Game Quitters, n.d.). These statistics highlight a staggering link between gaming and social anxiety disorders.

So, what’s causing this link?

Social avoidance

Gaming provides a welcome escape from social interactions, which can actually reinforce social anxiety. As research suggests, introverted players may use gaming as a coping mechanism for avoiding social situations (Prins et al., 2016).

What percentage of gamers have social anxiety?

It’s difficult to determine a exact figure, but here are some insights based on various studies:

Another study found that:

• Gaming frequency is strongly correlated with social anxiety (Ghasemi et al., 2012).
• Gamers spend an average of 4.2 hours gaming per day, with only 15% reporting they prefer to spend time with friends or family rather than gaming (Royal Panda, 2022).

Why gamers experience social anxiety

Several factors can contribute to social anxiety in gamers, such as:

• Social Media

• Lack of social skills

• Shyness

• Anxiety-related issues such as depression, ADHD, or sleep disturbances

• Gaming itself (excessive gaming, frustration, disappointment)

• Gaming community dynamics (taunting, bullying, exclusion)