title: Perceived problems with computer gaming and Internet use are associated with poorer social relations in adolescence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Young people's engagement in electronic gaming and Internet communication have caused concerns about potential harmful effects on their social relations, but the literature is inconclusive. The aim of this paper was to examine whether perceived problems with computer gaming and Internet communication are associated with young people's social relations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional questionnaire survey in 13 schools in the city of Aarhus, Denmark, in 2009. Response rate 89%, n = 2,100 students in grades 5, 7, and 9. Independent variables were perceived problems related to computer gaming and Internet use, respectively. Outcomes were measures of structural (number of days/week with friends, number of friends) and functional (confidence in others, being bullied, bullying others) dimensions of student's social relations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perception of problems related to computer gaming were associated with almost all aspects of poor social relations among boys. Among girls, an association was only seen for bullying. For both boys and girls, perceived problems related to Internet use were associated with bullying only.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the study is cross-sectional, the findings suggest that computer gaming and Internet use may be harmful to young people's social relations.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353, Copenhagen K, Denmark, mera@niph.dk.
authors.forename: Mette
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rasmussen
authors.forename: Charlotte Riebeling
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Meilstrup
authors.forename: Pernille
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bendtsen
authors.forename: Trine Pagh
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Line
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nielsen
authors.forename: Katrine Rich
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Madsen
authors.forename: Bjørn E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Holstein
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010465:Perception; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*