Abstract Using Uses and Gratifications theory as a guide, the proposed framework explores how mobile games are utilized to escape reality and cope with stress in developing a ritualized media use orientation. A purposive online survey of mobile game users uncovered expected positive relationships between materialism and Internet addiction, as well as Internet addiction and amount of money spent. Additionally, survey results revealed a positive relationship between materialism and a negative relationship between social support and Internet addiction. Contrary to expectations, social support did not have a moderating effect on the relationship between materialism and Internet addiction. Theoretical implications stemming from the complexity of using social support as a moderator for problematic uses are discussed.