People More Prone to Internet Dependence Also Had Higher Gambling Risk (Survey of 5,083 University Students)

Explanation

A research team from Chubu University surveyed 5,083 university students (3,482 male, 1,601 female) on internet dependence and gambling problems using internationally used scales. Questions included whether they used the internet until late at night, and whether they had been warned by others about gambling.

856 students answered that they had gambling experience—roughly 1 in 6. Of these, 54.6% were classified into the "at-risk group," who may face problems in the future. Furthermore, 14 people met the criteria for "problem gambling," which requires support.

Notably, a relationship was observed in which people with stronger tendencies toward internet dependence also had higher gambling risk. Both tendencies were more common among male students and lower-year students.

The research team stated that these two issues should not be treated separately but addressed together. They proposed that "digital literacy education starting from university is too late; it should begin from elementary and junior high school." This reflects the idea of cultivating, at an early stage, the ability to think for oneself rather than simply accepting information at face value.

This research was published in the Swiss academic journal Behavioral Sciences on May 8, 2026, and announced by the university on May 26.