Online Gaming, Digital Entertainment, and Academic Performance among Students: A Review

Teuku Rizky Noviandy; Rinaldi Idroes

doi:10.60084/jeml.v4i1.434

Authors

Teuku Rizky Noviandy Department of Information Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Abulyatama, Aceh Besar 23372, Indonesia
Rinaldi Idroes School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60084/jeml.v4i1.434

Keywords:

Online gaming, Digital entertainment, Academic performance, Student learning, Digital habits

Abstract

Online gaming and digital entertainment have become increasingly integrated into students’ daily lives through smartphones, computers, gaming platforms, video streaming, and social media. This review paper examines the relationship between online gaming, digital entertainment, and academic performance among students. The discussion highlights that digital entertainment can produce both positive and negative effects depending on duration, timing, content type, self-regulation, and learning context. Moderate and purposeful use may support cognitive skills, social interaction, motivation, and digital literacy. In contrast, excessive or problematic use may contribute to distraction, reduced study time, poor sleep quality, lower learning engagement, and weaker academic outcomes. Quantitative findings from previous studies show that many students engage frequently in online gaming and digital entertainment, including long weekly gaming time, mobile gaming as a major source of entertainment, and frequent social media checking. Overall, the reviewed literature suggests that the relationship between digital entertainment and academic performance is conditional rather than absolute. Healthy digital habits, effective time management, and guidance from parents, teachers, and educational institutions are important to help students balance entertainment and academic responsibilities.

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