How can we know when we are starting to get addictive to video games?

What is an addiction?

Why do kids and adults become addictive to videogames?

The desire for escape is one of the main causes of video game addiction. Video games offer an escape from the harsh and unpleasant realities of life. Players can act in ways they would never do in real life and be whatever they want in the virtual environment. For those who feel unhappy or dissatisfied with their real lives, this can be particularly appealing. To cope with their problems, they may turn to video games, which could lead to addiction.

Source: https://www.browardtherapygroup.com/blog/the-root-causes-of-video-game-addiction

When you play video games there is an hormone that transports you to a video games world and you don't care about the real life. Also because that you are in more depression and anxiety

Another source:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/internet-addiction/guide/

https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3085682/

APA Reference:

Davidow, B. (2012, July 18). Exploiting the Neuroscience of Internet Addiction. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

Chatfield, T. (2010, July). 7 ways games reward the brain. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

Davidow, B. (2012, July 18). Exploiting the Neuroscience of Internet Addiction. The Atlantic. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/07/exploiting-the-neuroscience-of-internet-addiction/259820/

Chatfield, T. (2010, July). 7 ways games reward the brain. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_chatfield_7_ways_games_reward_the_brain

Carson-DeWitt, R., & Dolan, M. (2023, March 17). Could You Be Addicted to the Internet? Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/internet-addiction/guide/

Baer, S., Bogusz, E., & A Green, D. (2011, May 20). Stuck on Screens: Patterns of Computer and Gaming Station Use in Youth Seen in a Psychiatric Clinic. PMC MubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3085682/

Some symptoms of video games addiction are the anxiety, the obesity, violence, insomnia, lost of friends, the wants of playing always, money waste, intense emotions for the game, etc.

Look for info about WHY people become addicted to video games.

Paraphrase the text.

Playing video games triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, just like other addictions. This indicates that people begin to associate gaming—and only gaming—with reward and enjoyment. This diminishes the excitement and appeal of other types of entertainment. As a result, the person increasingly turns to video games for excitement and enjoyment.

Source: https://www.uk-rehab.com/behavioural-addiction/gaming/

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A desire for social engagement is a primary factor contributing to video game addiction. Players form a robust community, and their connection to it provides them with a feeling of inclusion. People who lack family structure may develop a strong dependence on this feeling of belonging.

Source: https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/addiction/behavioral/video-game/

Social seclusion, introverted behavior, and insufficient communication with parents or others nearby.

The sensation of joy and unrealistic excitement arising from engaging in these games, along with the ongoing urge to experience it.

A longing to flee from reality stemming from insufficient social acceptance.

Individuals dealing with mental health issues like depression and anxiety disorders are more susceptible to this addiction.

Some might argue that gaming firms are part of a multi-billion-dollar market and that games are specifically created to be addictive. As more individuals engage in video gaming, the more profits investors generate without regard for ethics.

In simple terms, you begin to exist in a digital environment where you go through various fun and thrilling experiences that offer you exceptionally high levels of dopamine.

One can easily become absorbed in playing for extended periods without realizing the passage of time. The majority of video games are crafted as social experiences that foster an atmosphere in which you feel secure and fully in command

Research shows that boys are more likely than girls to develop gaming addiction. Studies of children and teens found that boys play more frequently and have higher rates of pathological gaming (about 12% of boys compared to less than 3% of girls). Brain imaging suggests that boys’ reward centers may respond more strongly to certain games. Boys also tend to prefer competitive, action, or strategic games, which can be more addictive, while girls often choose creative or exploratory games that are less likely to trigger compulsive play.

Experts recommend balanced approaches: parents can guide children toward diverse game types, encourage creative or social gaming, and set healthy limits. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking professional support can prevent serious consequences such as sleep problems, mood issues, or academic decline.

Another source:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction?print=true

APA References:

Samuel, A. (2016, April, 5). Is Video Game Addiction a Boy Problem? Daily. https://daily.jstor.org/is-video-game-addiction-a-boy-problem/

Painter, K (2025, June, 30). Is Video Game Addiction Real? WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction?print=true

Many of us know that feeling: Your eyes are glazed over, your back is hunched, you’re staring at a screen, and you just can’t seem to stop. If you spend so much time online — on a phone, computer, gaming platform, or other device — that it negatively affects your health, job, finances, or relationships, could that be considered an addiction?