Real-world social support but not in-game social support is related to reduced depression and anxiety associated with problematic gaming

Playing video games can become problematic, interfering with gamers’ daily functioning. This problematic gaming is associated with negative mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Social support, provided in the real-world, can protect against mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, previous research on gaming has found that real-world social support for gamers often decreases, while within-game social...