Journals / Psychology Research on Education and Social Sciences / 2026 / Issue: 1

Online game exposure and psychological well-being: moderation of rural adolescents' emotional well-being in community dynamics

Nanik Kholifah(Universitas Yudharta Pasuruan)
Arinal Chusnah(universitas Yudharta Pasuruan)
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-05-19
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The novelty of this study lies in the simultaneous testing of the role of online game exposure and emotional well-being in the context of rural adolescents, which has been understudied in the previous literature.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The increasing use of online games among rural adolescents is thought to decrease social interaction and community engagement which is important for psychological well-being.
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Key Findings & Data:This study aims to examine: (1) the effect of exposure to online games on the psychological well-being of rural adolescents, and (2) the role of emotional well-being moderation in these relationships.
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Conclusion & Impact:The novelty of this study lies in the simultaneous testing of the role of online game exposure and emotional well-being in the context of rural adolescents, which has been understudied in the previous literature.
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Community dynamics · Emotional well-being · Online game exposure

Abstract

The increasing use of online games among rural adolescents is thought to decrease social interaction and community engagement which is important for psychological well-being. However, its influence and the role of emotional well-being as a moderator are still unclear, especially in rural contexts. This study aims to examine: (1) the effect of exposure to online games on the psychological well-being of rural adolescents, and (2) the role of emotional well-being moderation in these relationships. This study uses a quantitative approach with a survey design on rural adolescents in East Java through standardized instruments. The results of the analysis showed that exposure to online games had a significant effect on psychological well-being although it was relatively limited, while emotional well-being has not been shown to moderate these relationships. These findings confirm that exposure to online games is a limited risk factor. The novelty of this study lies in the simultaneous testing of the role of online game exposure and emotional well-being in the context of rural adolescents, which has been understudied in the previous literature.

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Cite This Article

Kholifah, N., Chusnah, A. (2026). Online game exposure and psychological well-being: moderation of rural adolescents' emotional well-being in community dynamics. Psychology Research on Education and Social Sciences, Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20282602

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