What is the science behind video game addiction?

Video games that are not violent may help develop mental quickness and other cognitive skills. But like much in life, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. References. Lemmens, Jeroen S. et al. (2009). Development and validation of a game addiction scale for adolescents. Media Psychology. read more

Video game "addiction" isn't really an addiction the way that, say, heroin addiction is. It doesn't involve inserting a foreign psychoactive drug into the body, to which the body becomes habituated. It also doesn't produce withdrawal symptoms. read more

Video game addiction exists. It has all the features you need to classify an addiction: losing jobs and loved ones; withdrawal symptoms like cold sweats and anger; developing migraines and back problems and, very occasionally, death. read more

The Science Behind Video Game Addiction Civics/Government Technology From the early days of Pong to the current obsession with Minecraft, the pull to video games has never wavered; if anything, it has strengthened through the targeted efforts of the video game industry. read more