Exploring the Reasons for Preferring Digital Games Over Physical Activity Games in Adolescents: A Qualitative Study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: In the current world, adolescents are less likely to turn to physical activity games and often prefer to spend more time in the technological and digital world and have fun with digital games. This study aimed to explore reasons for preferring digital games to physical activity games in adolescents. METHODS: Twenty-one adolescents participated in this qualitative study. The participants' age ranged from 11 to 19 who participated in semistructured interviews. The recorded interviews underwent thematic analysis to identify overall themes. RESULTS: Five overall themes were identified from the interviews regarding reasons for preferring digital games over physical activity games. Identified themes included game characteristics, game space, game outcomes, peer pressure, and accessibility. DISCUSSION: The findings of this research contribute to design adolescent-centered interventions that sustain/increase adolescents' interest in physical activity games and protect them from excessive/harmful use of digital games.