DOI: 10.5176/2251-2195_CSEIT18.102
Authors: Aaron Reed, Jakita O. Thomas and John Peppinger
Abstract: Among STEM disciplines, computer science has the lowest overall student retention rates. Employers are clamoring for more technology workers. Colleges in America, Europe, and elsewhere have not been able to keep up with the pace of industry job growth in computer science. In 2018, the World Health Organization will be adding gaming disorder to the list of International Classifications of Diseases. Gaming disorders are often demonstrated in individuals who play significant amounts of video games, especially if other social behaviors are negatively affected due to the amount of time spent playing video games. This study, which took place at a small, computer-science focused institution, evaluated the gaming habits of incoming first-year and upper-level students in computer science degrees. The data shows significantly high levels of video game playing among both groups, indicating a potential rate of gaming disorder among these students that is higher than those found in studies among the general population of young adults. Given the data, there may be an increased correlation between tech-oriented computer science students and gaming disorders.
Keywords:Computer science; worker shortage; student retention; education; gaming disorder, video game, game addiction
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