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I.

Introduction
Mobile phones nowadays are the most widely used device by many people. It is very convenient to carry, it features many functions and it is used primarily for communication. There are many companies that release many versions of mobile phones and as the time passed, mobile phones are innovating very fast. From the graphics, specifications, memories, and functions, mobile phones are evolving very fast.

One of the features of mobile phones is having mobile games. This feature is for entertainment. Aside from the communicative function of mobile phones, this function is most used by many people. They play games for different reasons, and because technologies today are also improving, more games are also released that features higher graphics, more challenging and fun. These characteristics of mobile games make it addictive. Many people are getting hooked in mobile gaming because it provides entertainment, it can be a pastime to them when they feel bored. Some people want to challenge themselves with mind games. Others want to compete with their friends and families. Others prefer to try something new games.

Objectives:
1) To seek knowledge about mobile gaming 2) To gain information regarding mobile gaming addiction 3) To site the effects of mobile gaming addiction 4) To know the reasons why people engage themselves in mobile gaming

II. Body Review of Related Literature


According to Ofir Turel (n.d.), an information and decision scientist at California State University said: Games can be addictive. Anything that provides the brain a reward has the potential to become addictive.

A. Mobile Gaming
Mobile games are the applications in mobile phones that provide entertainment to the users. It is a video game played on different kinds of mobile phones. Mobile games are designed for mobile devices, such as smartphones, feature phones, pocket PCs, personal digital assistants (PDA), tablet PCs, and portable media players. Mobile games range from basic (like Snake on Nokia phones) to sophisticated (those 3d augmented games). Mobile phones nowadays, particularly smartphones, have a wide range of connectivity features, including infrared, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 3g. These technological features make the mobile phones to connect to each other thus making the games to be played with multiplayers. The first mobile game on a mobile phone was a Tetris game on the Hagenuk MT-2000 device from 1994. Nowadays, mobile games are advanced and have more improved graphics that makes it very fascinating to play. Advanced mobile games require fast central processing units (CPU), dedicated graphics processing units (GPU), large random access memory (RAM), and high resolution display screens. For most smartphones, some games may not work for it needs a higher version of the system of mobile phone. The latest mobile gaming trends today are the augmented reality games. These games combine a real world environment with advanced computer graphics to provide the effect of augmented reality. An example is the Sky Siege, where a player shoots virtual helicopters that appear to fly around the room. In actuality, a live image of the players room is captured by the device camera and
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fled to the display screen, resulting in augmented reality to the player.


(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-1.485139)

a. Examples of mobile games


These are some example of mobile games which make people get hooked and addicted to it. These games are mostly played in mobile phones that features high resolution displays, colored and sometimes 3d graphics. Some of these games are kept played by many people even there are many new games released in the market.

1) Angry Birds
The original version of this game may no longer be as popular as it used to be but the Angry Birds brand name continues to live on in other forms. There are eight versions of this game and a more current version, Angry Birds Star Wars II, seems to have a good following. The aim of the game is to catapult the birds and destroy the Pig troopers that are protected by woods, blocks and helmets. Scores are represented by stars and there are many levels in this game. Whats more, there are also many versions of the game that features many places and new abilities. One example is the Angry Birds Star Wars in which you can use the Force, wield their Lightsaber, and blast away Pig troopers on intergalactic journey.

(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)

2) Temple Run 2
This game is just as good as the first Temple Run. It might be intimidating at first but once you start swiping through the many escape routes, you'll find it to be quite simple and from there on, a little difficult to stop playing.

The aim of the game is to run from the evil monkeys and along the way to escape, you have to avoid obstacles. You just have to swipe your screen to the right way to jump across the gaps and going through pathways. You can also tilt your device so that the runner can go either left or right. As you go farther in the game, your speed is also increasing. There are power-ups in the game and you have to grab it quickly because they are temporary.

(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)

3) Candy Crush Saga


Candy Crush is a game about mixing and matching candies then having them crushed. This instruction might be an easy task but whats challenging to this game is that there is only limited number of moves. You need to reach the specific amount of points and do the quest in some levels to advance to the next level. This game can be played in Facebook and smartphones that are compatible. There are about 45 million users of this game every month. Some of them reach high numbers of levels. Looking at the map, you will be looking far away from the end. (http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)

4) Plants vs. Zombies 2


This game is the improved version of Plants vs. Zombies. At this game, it features enhanced 3d graphics. The aim of the game is to prevent the zombies from entering your house by planting plants. Once you advance to every level, there are bonus items, plants, and new zombies. There are also mini games in which you can play and enjoy new activities.

(http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)
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5) Flappy Birds
This game became a hit in a short period of time but the developer took it out from the app stores recently. However, those who already downloaded it in their phones can still play this game. The aim of this game is to steer a pixel bird with intense tapping through metal pipes that appear randomly in different heights. You just have to time your tap to avoid the bird from colliding with the pipes or else, the game will be over. Nobody knows why this game is very addicting but once you start playing, it will be difficult to stop. If you still want to play this game and you havent downloaded it, you can try some other clone games from the market. Some people are also offering their prices for their phones which the original Flappy Birds game. (http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/mobile-game-addiction-

1.485139#ixzz2vYGHA48q)

B. Mobile Gaming Addiction


Mobile gaming addiction refers to excessive mobile gaming that results to some negative consequences. The causes of mobile gaming addiction are not only based on the features of mobile games but also to the situations of the people who get addicted in it. Mobile games serves as pastime to some people who used to get bored in their homes or sometimes in their work. When mobile gaming becomes excessive, it can result to negative consequences. The participants to this addiction have sometimes no limit in age because even kids learn to play games in mobile phones and other devices. As a child, they are easily fascinated in games especially when they know and admire the characters in the game they play. Adults and parents are also prone to this kind of addiction. When there are opportunities and vacant times, they try to play some games and when they are attracted, they will play again and again. They will not notice that one day they are hooked and addicted in a certain mobile game.

a. Causes of Mobile Gaming Addiction


These are some of the causes of mobile gaming addiction. Some causes listed below are not only based on the features of the game but also on the situation of the person.

(http://www.infosolutionsgroup.com/2011_PopCap_Mobile_Phone_Games_ Presentation.pdf)

1. Mobile games are fun


Mobile games are created for entertainment and fun. From the simple to sophisticated, games have many kinds and categories. Some games are categorized as mind and logic games, racing, adventure, quest, shooting, gambling, etc. There are different instructions and goals in games and this

makes the game exciting especially when it is challenging. Some games are very simple to look at but they are hard to play. Other games are easy but require patience and long time to wait for you to advance level. Even how difficult or easy the game is, it is fun and entertaining.

2. Distraction from the issues of daily life


Mobile games are fun and entertaining. This characteristic of mobile games can distract us from what we are doing. We can use our mobile phone and play games to distract us from the daily issues in our lives. While we are playing games, we forget the things that we should be doing, we can also forget our problems but that will be for the time that you are playing games on your phone. But the truth is, we cant escape reality by the world that we are seeing in mobile games.

3. Boredom savior/Pastime reliever


When we are not doing anything, we always bear in mind that we can entertain ourselves with mobile games. Most people play games on their mobile phone as their pastime and when they have vacant time. People who also work in the offices play games when they are in a break. This can be a distraction to their work as if they were always thinking what they play in the phone, what they are planning to do, and some events in which they have a good game.

4. Connecting them to friends and family


Some mobile games today are featuring multiplayer which sometimes uses connectivity features like Bluetooth, internet, and Wi-Fi. This makes the game exciting because you are playing with other people not just always with computers. Through there connectivity features, people can connect with other
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people, with their friends, families and clans in the game. This is one of the advantages of playing mobile games because it also provides communication to different people with far distances from each other.

b. Effects of Mobile Gaming Addiction


These are some of the effects of mobile gaming addiction. Some of the effects involve physical consequences because playing mobile games on the phone excessively greatly affects our health. We dont always notice these effects immediately because we are distracted by our gaming. We should not play too much in our mobile phones because it consumes our time and it consumes much energy in electricity.

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome


This syndrome has long been associated with computer use, so its not surprising that this is a physical symptom of mobile gaming addiction. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused when the main nerve between the forearm and hand is squeezed or pressed. This occurs when the carpal tunnel - the area of the wrist that houses the main nerve and tendons - becomes irritated or swollen. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

2. Migraines
Migraine headaches typically start in one spot and slowly spread, getting more painful as they progress. In severe cases, the pain can be so extreme that it causes the sufferer to vomit. Light and noise can cause excruciating pain. Someone who plays mobile games for extended periods of time is more prone to migraines because of the intense concentration required and the strain put on the eyes. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)
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3. Sleep disturbances
The term "sleep disturbances" covers several sleep-related disorders, including insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, nocturnal myoclonus (periodic leg or arms jerks during sleep), and parasomnia (i.e., night terrors, sleepwalking or talking, and nightmares). Sleep disturbances are caused, in part, by overstimulation of the brain. However, some people can't get a good night's sleep simply because they think obsessively about the game they're playing. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

4. Backaches
Backaches are a common physical symptom of gaming addiction because most gamers stay seated in the same position for hours on end. The lack of movement causes stiffness and soreness, but could deteriorate into chronic back problems. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-

consequences.html)

5. Eating irregularities
Eating irregularities are caused by gaming addiction simply because most addicted gamers don't want to take the time to eat properly. Rather than eating healthy, balanced meals, they eat food that is quick and usually unhealthy. In extreme cases, the gamer may choose not to eat at all. (http://www.video-game-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

6. Poor personal hygiene


An addicted gamer is not going to take the time to properly care for himself. Showers, face-washing, and brushing hair and teeth all get put on the back burner. It simply becomes less of a priority, if it's a priority at all.These physical consequences will occur in varying degrees from one gamer to another. Though the severity of physical consequences is often tied to the severity of the addiction, this is not always the case. A gamer that is already in poor physical condition will be more susceptible to these effects early on. (http://www.videogame-addiction.org/physical-consequences.html)

7. Vision problems
Excessive mobile phone gaming can adversely affect your vision. Staring too long at close, small objects can lead to near-sightedness. While there is debate as to the exact causes of myopia, studies have shown a correlation between myopia and excessive use of technology such as computers and cell phones. games.html) (http://www.ehow.com/list_5860688_negative-effects-mobile-phone-

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III. Conclusion
Based on our survey, we tabulated the results and the following tables show the respondents answers to our questions.

Table 1
Sex Percentage Male 57% Female 43%

Table 1 shows the percentage of the respondents sex. There are 57% male students and there are 43% females who responded in the survey.

Table 2
Age Percentage 14-15 0% 16-17 90% 18 and above 10%

Table 2 shows the percentage of the age bracket of the respondents.

Table 3
No. of days students use their mobile phone in a week Percentage 1 2 3 4 5 6 day days days days days days 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 7 days 100%

Table 3 shows the number of days the students use their mobile phone in a week.

Table 4
No. of hours the students use their mobile phone in a day Percentage 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 hours hours hours hours hours 10% 27% 23% 0% 3%

Table 4 shows the number of hours students use their mobile phone in a day.

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Table 5
No. of hours the students play games on their mobile phone in a day Percentage 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10 hours hours hours hours hours 77% 10% 10% 0% 3%

Table 5 shows the number of hours students play games on their mobile phone in a day.

Table 6 No. of games installed in their mobile games Percentage 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

33% 10% 20% 10% 10% 7% 3% 3% 3%

Table 6 shows how many students has the certain number of games installed in their mobile phone.

Game 4 Pics 1 Word Avenger Dragon Mania Dungeo n Quest Fishing Diary

Percentag e of students playing 3% 3% 3% 3% 13%

Table 7 Percentag e of Game students playing Flappy 10% Bird Jetpack 7% Magic Sushi Nature Park Paper airplan e 3% 3% 3%

Game Pokemon emerald Pou Ragnaro k Valkyrie Soccer Game Zombie Tsunami

Percentag e of students playing 3% 17% 7% 3% 33%

Table 7 shows the games that the students are playing and the percentage of students playing a particular game.

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Table 8
Reasons for playing Entertainment games Percentage 73% Competing with other players 7% Fame 0% Challenging ones self 20%

Table 8 shows the reasons of students for playing mobile games and the percentage of students who responded in these reasons.

Table 9
Aspects that may be affected when playing games on your mobile phone Percentage Family Friends Studies

17%

20%

63%

Table 9 shows the aspects that may be affected when playing games on your mobile phones and the percentage of students who responded in these aspects.

Table 10
In the chosen aspect of the respondents, they answered if the effect to this aspect is good or bad Percentage Good 50% Bad 50%

Table 10 shows the effects of the chosen aspect whether it is good or bad.

Table 11
The respondents classify themselves if they are an addicted mobile gamer or not Yes
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No

Percentage

27%

73%

Table 11 shows the classification of respondents to themselves if they are an addicted mobile gamer or not.

Table 12
Effects of using Scolded Blurred Numbness Stiff Neglecting mobile Headache by vision of hands neck studies phones parents excessively Percentage 47% 37% 13% 23% 37% 23%
Table 12 shows the effects of using mobile phones excessively and the percentage of respondents who are affected.

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IV. Recommendations
1. Students must be aware that mobile gaming addiction can cause to negative factors as well as to the neglecting of their studies. 2. Students should be reminded to how mobile gaming reduces their physical works. 3. In playing mobile games, students should be wise enough to control themselves from addiction. 4. Students should limit themselves in playing mobile games. 5. Students should only use their mobile phone whenever it is needed. 6. Other researchers who will conduct similar study may further research about it or more.

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