Is Internet Gaming Disorder Real?

The rise of video games has transformed entertainment worldwide, offering social connection, fun, and even cognitive benefits. However, with this increased popularity comes a growing concern—when does gaming go from being a healthy pastime to a problem? For some, it becomes a compulsive behavior that impacts health, relationships, and responsibilities. This phenomenon, known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), has sparked heated debate among mental health professionals. So, is IGD a real disorder? Let’s explore what the experts say and what the research reveals about its prevalence and impact.

What is Internet Gaming Disorder?

Internet Gaming Disorder refers to excessive gaming that causes significant disruptions to personal, social, and academic responsibilities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), gaming disorder is officially classified as a mental health condition. It shares similarities with other behavioral addictions, such as gambling, in how it activates the brain’s reward systems. However, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) remains more cautious, listing it as a condition for further study in the DSM-5.

The ongoing debate isn’t just academic. Some psychologists argue that labeling regular gaming as a disorder risks pathologizing ordinary behaviors. In contrast, others emphasize that the loss of control and withdrawal symptoms observed in IGD mirror patterns seen in substance addictions. It’s a nuanced issue, and understanding where the line between hobby and compulsion lies is essential.

How Common is Internet Gaming Disorder?

Research suggests that 2-3% of gamers in the U.S. and Canada meet the criteria for IGD. Globally, the numbers vary, with up to 10% of online gamers reporting addictive behaviors. The disorder tends to be more prevalent in countries with high rates of internet access, such as South Korea and China, where gaming is deeply ingrained in youth culture.

While IGD is often associated with adolescents, it is also a growing concern among college-age individuals and adults. College students are particularly vulnerable, with studies indicating that many young adults struggle to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and academics. Research from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada found that 12% of university students exhibit signs of gaming addiction, and 21% report spending six or more hours per week gaming.

For many college students, the freedom to manage their own schedules makes it harder to control gaming habits. Video games often become a form of escape from academic pressure or social stress, leading some students to neglect their studies. Social games with built-in communities—like World of Warcraft or Fortnite—can also create a sense of belonging, making it even harder for individuals to reduce their gaming time.

Adults are not immune to IGD, either. Although gaming is often perceived as a pastime for younger people, the average age of a gamer is 33 years old, according to the Entertainment Software Association. For some adults, gaming becomes a way to unwind after work, but the transition from casual play to compulsive behavior can happen gradually. The demands of adulthood, such as careers and relationships, can complicate recovery for adults with IGD. According to research from Stanford University, adults struggling with gaming addiction often experience declines in job performance and increased relationship conflict, as excessive gaming interferes with responsibilities.

IGD among adults can also overlap with other behavioral health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD. In some cases, gaming is used as a coping mechanism, offering temporary relief but worsening symptoms over time. For adults and college students alike, addressing IGD requires more than just cutting back on gaming—it involves developing healthier coping strategies and reconnecting with real-life priorities.

Mental and Physical Health Consequences

Internet Gaming Disorder can take a heavy toll on both mental and physical health. Many gamers rely on video games to cope with stress or anxiety. Over time, however, this can lead to worsening depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Psychologists at the Child Mind Institute caution that some individuals develop a dependency on gaming because it provides a sense of control and escape from negative emotions.

Physically, gaming addiction contributes to obesity, sleep disorders, and repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Long hours spent in front of a screen can also cause eye strain and disrupt natural sleep patterns, particularly when gaming extends into the night. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research highlights that the body responds to excessive screen time with fatigue, which can further impact mental well-being.

These mental and physical consequences not only affect individual gamers but also strain family relationships. According to Psychology Today, families often find themselves caught in conflict, as excessive gaming limits time for social interaction and shared activities.

Social and Educational Impact

One of the most noticeable effects of IGD is its impact on education and work. According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 15% of gamers report missing school or work because of gaming. Academic performance also suffers, with students falling behind on assignments and struggling to maintain focus. Prolonged gaming sessions often replace sleep and study time, leading to lower grades and burnout.

Adults with IGD face similar challenges in the workplace. Missed deadlines and decreased productivity are common, and relationships with colleagues may suffer. According to researchers at Stanford University, addictive gaming behaviors can leave individuals socially isolated, leading to a cycle of stress and further reliance on gaming for relief.

What Drives Internet Gaming Disorder?

Several factors contribute to the development of IGD, from the brain’s response to rewards to the way games are designed. According to neuroscientists, gaming releases dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure and reinforces behaviors. The more players achieve in-game—whether through leveling up or completing missions—the more they crave that dopamine hit, much like with other addictions.

The social aspect of online games plays a significant role as well. Games like Fortnite and League of Legends foster communities where players feel a strong sense of belonging. For some, these virtual communities become a substitute for real-world social connections. However, according to the Child Mind Institute, this sense of community can create dependency, making it difficult for gamers to reduce their time online.

Additionally, many games are intentionally designed to keep players hooked. Features like loot boxes, rewards, and infinite scrolling encourage prolonged engagement. According to the American Psychiatric Association, these mechanics blur the line between entertainment and addiction, as players become increasingly motivated to chase rewards.

Managing Internet Gaming Disorder

While IGD can have serious consequences, it is manageable with the right strategies. Experts recommend setting boundaries around screen time to help prevent gaming from becoming a problem. For instance, creating device-free zones or establishing specific gaming hours can promote healthier habits. Psychologists also encourage families to support alternative activities, such as sports or creative hobbies, to provide balance.

In more severe cases, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven effective in treating IGD. CBT helps individuals identify and change unhealthy thought patterns around gaming, fostering better emotional regulation. Digital detox programs also offer a structured way for gamers to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with real-world priorities. According to the Child Mind Institute, taking breaks from screens can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and restore personal relationships.

Coaching interventions play a vital role in addressing IGD, especially for individuals who may not require clinical treatment but still struggle to regain control of their gaming habits. Behavioral addiction coaches can help clients set realistic goals, establish routines, and develop personalized action plans to reduce excessive gaming. Coaches often focus on practical, everyday strategies like time management techniques, building offline social connections, and identifying triggers that lead to compulsive gaming.

One valuable coaching method is accountability partnerships, where the coach and client work together to track progress. Regular check-ins create consistent external support to reinforce positive changes. Coaches also help clients explore underlying emotional drivers, such as boredom or stress, and develop healthier ways to cope. This approach ensures that clients address both the behavior and the emotions that fuel it.  More information about OnwardWell's game addiction program, designed for those with Internet Gaming Disorder is available.

Support from family and friends remains essential. Open communication creates a safe space for gamers to discuss their struggles without judgment. As the American Psychiatric Association suggests, fostering balance—not complete abstinence—is often the most sustainable path to long-term well-being.

Conclusion: Balancing Gaming and Real Life

Internet Gaming Disorder is a complex issue that highlights the fine line between passion and addiction. While not every gamer develops IGD, those struggling to control their gaming habits experience real challenges. The impact on mental health, physical well-being, and personal relationships makes it essential to address these behaviors.

Ultimately, the goal is balance. Gaming can be a source of joy, connection, and cognitive benefits, but it shouldn’t take over one’s life. If you or a loved one feels overwhelmed by gaming, it’s important to seek support and develop healthier habits.

Finding balance ensures that gaming remains an enjoyable part of life, rather than a controlling force. The key is not to stop gaming altogether but to enjoy it in moderation, making room for real-world connections, responsibilities, and well-being.