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Are Online Mobile Gamers Really Happy? On the Suppressor Role of Online Game Addiction

Author

Listed:
  • Jun-Jie Hew

    (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)

  • Voon-Hsien Lee

    (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)

  • Soo-Ting T’ng

    (Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman)

  • Garry Wei-Han Tan

    (UCSI Graduate Business School, UCSI University
    Nanchang Institute of Technology
    Yunnan Normal University
    Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus)

  • Keng-Boon Ooi

    (UCSI Graduate Business School, UCSI University
    Nanchang Institute of Technology
    Chang Jung Christian University
    Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus)

  • Yogesh K. Dwivedi

    (Swansea University
    Pune & Symbiosis International (Deemed University))

Abstract

Drawing upon the Stimulus-Organism-Response Theory and Flow Theory, this study aims to investigate the effects of environmental stimuli that are unique to the mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) environment (i.e., immediacy, social interaction, and competition) in inducing the state of flow, which is expected to be the basis of online game addiction and subjective happiness among the online mobile gamers. Besides, this study explores the uncharted role of addiction in suppressing the effect of flow on happiness through the theoretical lens of Rational Addiction Theory. The results indicate that all environmental stimuli are directly and positively related to the state of flow, which relates directly and positively to online game addiction and subjective happiness. Online game addiction is found to have a direct and negative association with subjective happiness, on top of its suppressor role that negatively mediates the relationship between flow and subjective happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun-Jie Hew & Voon-Hsien Lee & Soo-Ting T’ng & Garry Wei-Han Tan & Keng-Boon Ooi & Yogesh K. Dwivedi, 2024. "Are Online Mobile Gamers Really Happy? On the Suppressor Role of Online Game Addiction," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 217-249, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:26:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10796-023-10377-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-023-10377-7
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