Understanding Gaming Addiction: When Play Becomes a Problem

In today’s digital age, video games are a common and often healthy part of social connection, recreation, and cognitive engagement, particularly for children and adolescents. However, when gaming begins to interfere with everyday functioning, relationships, or emotional well-being, it may signal a deeper concern.

Clinically referred to as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), this condition is characterised by persistent and recurrent gaming behaviour that leads to significant impairment in personal, social, educational, or occupational functioning. Although not yet recognised as a formal disorder in all diagnostic systems, it is an area of growing interest and concern in both clinical and developmental psychology.

From a behavioural psychology perspective, video games are designed to provide immediate rewards, stimulate dopamine release, and reinforce repetitive engagement through carefully constructed feedback loops which creates a powerful reinforcement schedule.

Developmentally, children and adolescents are in a critical period of identity formation, social learning, and emotional regulation. For some, gaming becomes a coping mechanism to manage stress, social anxiety, or low self-esteem. In such cases, the game world may offer a sense of mastery, community, or escape that feels lacking in their offline life. While these functions are understandable, excessive gaming can displace opportunities for real-world skill building, physical activity, and face-to-face relationships.

From a family systems perspective, it’s also important to consider the broader context in which gaming habits develop. Family conflict, inconsistent boundaries, or limited emotional connection can contribute to a child seeking connection or control in virtual environments. Conversely, overly rigid or punitive responses to gaming can escalate conflict and reduce opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.

Warning signs of problematic gaming may include:

• A preoccupation with gaming, even when not playing

• Irritability or distress when access is limited

• Withdrawal from offline activities and relationships

• Decline in academic or occupational performance

• Difficulty limiting playtime, even with negative consequences

Intervention typically begins with understanding the function of the gaming behaviour—what needs it is meeting—and working collaboratively to address underlying emotional or relational concerns. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), parent coaching, and family-based approaches are all evidence-informed strategies that can help shift unhealthy patterns and restore balance.