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Prevalence and Characteristics of Female and Male Esports Players among Norwegian Youth: A General Population Study

Author

Listed:
  • Stian Overå

    (Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse & Mental Health Disorders, Hospital Innlandet Trust and Norway, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway)

  • Anders Bakken

    (Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

  • Christer Hyggen

    (Norwegian Social Research (NOVA), OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Electronic sports (esports) have evolved into a major cultural phenomenon in the 21st century, mirroring traditional sports with organized, competitive play. This study investigates the prevalence of esports participation and characteristics of esports players among Norwegian adolescents. Using data from the Ungdata survey, a comprehensive web-based survey of Norwegian adolescents that includes questions on demographics, health, physical activity, social relations, and leisure activities such as gaming and esports, we analyzed responses from 70,695 students aged 16–18 years collected during 2021–2023. We conclude that about one out of twenty in the age group of 16–18 years actively engage in esports. The figure conceals significant gender differences: only 0.7% of girls, compared to 8.8% of boys, actively participate in esports. While female esports players differ noticeably from non-players on almost all indicators included in our analyses, the picture among boys reflects more similarities between esports players and other boys, than differences. Among the esports players, females almost consistently reported more negative experiences than males, including less physical socialization, lower self-rated health, higher rates of loneliness and sleeping problems, and a greater difficulty fitting in at school. Despite these negative aspects, esports players maintain close friendships similar to their non-playing peers.

Suggested Citation

  • Stian Overå & Anders Bakken & Christer Hyggen, 2024. "Prevalence and Characteristics of Female and Male Esports Players among Norwegian Youth: A General Population Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:9:p:1136-:d:1465553
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kerris Cooper & Kitty Stewart, 2021. "Does Household Income Affect children’s Outcomes? A Systematic Review of the Evidence," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 14(3), pages 981-1005, June.
    2. Michael G Trotter & Tristan J. Coulter & Paul A Davis & Dylan R Poulus & Remco Polman, 2020. "The Association between Esports Participation, Health and Physical Activity Behaviour," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-14, October.
    3. Daria J. Kuss & Anne Marie Kristensen & A. Jess Williams & Olatz Lopez-Fernandez, 2022. "To Be or Not to Be a Female Gamer: A Qualitative Exploration of Female Gamer Identity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-18, January.
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