Escaping reality: how to recognize video game addiction

Video games are designed to get you hooked. With genres and themes that captivate kids, teens, and adults, interest in gaming continues to grow—and so does the debate about their impact.

So, are video games beneficial or harmful? According to James Sherer, MD, medical director of addiction psychiatry at Atlantic Health System, the answer depends on the person.

“Playing video games puts people into the flow state,” says Dr. Sherer. “It’s a psychological mindset where your brain is challenged just enough so you’re not too overwhelmed or too bored. It’s the sweet spot that makes people want to stay in the game.”

Signs of internet gaming disorder

When it comes to gaming addiction, Dr. Sherer says there are a few behavior patterns to look out for in both kids and adults.

• Emotional cravings for video games when not playing
• Outbursts or self-injury to protest no gaming
• Failing to meet obligations as a student, employee, parent, or spouse
• Giving up other activities for gaming
• Needing to play more often for the same gratification

“For most people, playing video games is not a troublesome behavior pattern and doesn’t lead to functional impairment or distress,” says Dr. Sherer, who is a lifelong gamer and shares some tangible benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits and risks of gaming

Potential benefits:

• Helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Improves memory retention
• Enhances visual processing and hand-eye reaction times
• Builds confidence and persistence through challenges
• Creates bonds with peers and helps forge new friendships

Potential drawbacks:

• Shortens attention span and the ability to concentrate
• Reinforces fast rewards rather than delayed gratification
• Fosters aggressive and obsessive behavior
• Exposes players to violence or sexualized content
• Leads to a sedentary lifestyle and isolation

“When someone is neglecting their responsibilities to favor gaming, it can cause real-world problems,” says Dr. Sherer. “Beyond mental and emotional issues, it can affect physical health, with obesity, poor posture, eye strain and disrupted sleep.”

Finding balance and moderation

Although The American College of Pediatricians caps screen time at about two hours daily, Dr. Sherer believes that one size does not fit all.

“If your child plays three hours of Roblox each night, but they're getting eight hours of sleep and good grades, they're engaged in sports and see friends, and they're happy, maybe three hours of gaming is just fine.”

To curb a gaming appetite, start with these three steps:

• Set up daily time limits and parental controls
• Prioritize physical exercise in day-to-day routines
• Join in the game by playing together and talking about it

“These interventions work for most people,” says Dr. Sherer. “But if someone has internet gaming disorder, they often have an anxiety or depressive disorder, too. They’ll use video games to self-medicate, so we encourage talk therapy with a psychiatrist, who may recommend medication.”

The Gaming Debate Continues

According to Dr. Sherer, setting up parental controls usually nudges people toward healthier pastimes.

“People spend hours each night playing video games, but it’s really just a way to hang out with friends,” says Dr. Sherer, who explains that if a gaming community has a toxic subculture, stay far away.  “In most cases, what might look like addiction may actually be healthy social engagement.”