Problematic Facebook Use and Problematic Video Gaming Among Female and Male Gamers

The development of modern technologies has facilitated positive functioning in various aspects of everyday life. However, in addition to positive changes, there are also issues related to problematic behavior associated with new technologies and new media, such as problematic Facebook use (PFU) and problematic video gaming (PVG). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to present the specificity of these problematic behaviors in a group of gamers and determine their predictors and interrelatedness. In addition, the aim was to analyze the differences between male and female gamers. The study comprised 1,270 gamers (684 female gamers; age range from 15 to 34 years; M = 19.17 years; SD = 2.91 years). The intensity of PFU was assessed using the Facebook Intrusion Scale, and intensity of PVG was assessed using the Problem Video Game Playing Questionnaire. Results showed that 6.4% of females had high levels of PFU compared to 3.1% of males, and that 1.8% of females had high levels of PVG compared to 5.8% of males. Structural equation modeling showed different predicators for problematic internet use and PVG, despite the correlation between both problematic behaviors. These findings enable better understanding of the relationship between PVG and PFU among gamers and differences between female and male gamers.