Influence of Mobile Gaming and Reading Habits on Inattention, Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in Children

The changed lifestyle pattern and entertainment requirements have its effect on every toll of life. Children are greatly influenced by the developing technology through the media. The problems of inattention and hyperactivity among children are also increasing. This article examines the relation between mobile gaming and reading habits and the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in children between the ages of 5 to 15. They were divided on the basis of their gaming interests, time spent in gaming and their reading habits. They were assessed on the domains of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The results indicated that children who preferred to spend more time in mobile gaming had more problems of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity than other children. The children who had low reading habits had more problems of inattention. There is also significant positive relationship between mobile gaming interest and impulsivity; time spent for gaming and inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity; negative relationship between reading habit and inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The study suggests the importance of developing more reading habits in children than developing gaming habits.