We Playing Mobile Games Because We Bored? An Exploratory Study on University Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between university students' motivation to play mobile games and their perception of boredom. In addition, it is to reveal the effect value of the perception of boredom as a motivating variable to play mobile games. For this purpose, "Mobile Game Motivation Scale (MGMS)" developed by Üstün and ÖZ and "Leisure Boredom Scale" developed by Iso-Aloha and culturally adapted by Kara et al. were used. 552 (Nwoman=226;Nman=326; Xage=21.79±2.40) university students participated in the study on a voluntary basis. SPSS 24 data analysis program was used in the study. Necessary assumptions for regression analysis were tested. In the study, pearson correlation test was used to determine the relationship, and simple linear regression analysis was used to determine the effect of boredom perception on mobile game playing. As a result of the study, moderate positive correlations were found between the mobile game motivation scale and the boredom perception scale. The predictive level of boredom perception on motivation to play mobile games was 33% (R=.582; R2=.338; P<.01). In the light of these findings, it is concluded that university students tend to play mobile games as a result of the perception of being bored in leisure time.