Another big question we get in our presentations is, “Can the overuse of video games cause problems similar to those sometimes created by the overuse of social media?
Some feel that the jury is still out, but most would agree that too much dopamine, achieved by almost any means, is not necessarily good.
For example, in 2019, two parents in Canada filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, claiming that the game is as addictive as cocaine. Their central argument is that Epic Games intentionally designed Fortnite to be highly addictive, and they allegedly employed psychologists to achieve this effect. The parents assert that the game’s mechanics, rewards, and engagement strategies were carefully crafted to keep players hooked. While the lawsuit raises concerns about the impact of video games on teens, it also highlights the ongoing debate about whether video game addiction is a genuine mental health issue. Epic Games, with nearly 250 million users worldwide, has faced legal challenges related to the game’s addictive nature
While the World Health Organization recognizes video game addiction as a mental health disorder, the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) does not classify gaming addiction as such. As a result, the outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for similar cases in the U.S., but it remains to be seen how courts will weigh these differing perspectives.
But, let’s take a deeper look at the impact of video games on teens, mainly focusing on the role of dopamine. While video games can offer cognitive benefits, they also come with potential risks. Here’s what research tells us:
The Dopamine Effect: Pleasure and Reward
Playing video games activates the brain’s pleasure center by releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and motivation. When teens engage in rewarding activities like gaming, their brains experience a surge of dopamine. This heightened dopamine response contributes to players’ enjoyment and engagement during gameplay.
Cognitive Benefits and Potential Harms
Cognitive Benefits
- A study involving nearly 2,000 children found that those who played video games for three hours or more per day performed better on cognitive skills tests related to impulse control and working memory compared to non-gamers.
- Video games can enhance attention, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.
- Some medical applications of gaming include aiding balance training and cognitive skill development.
Potential Harms
- Excessive gaming can lead to repetitive stress injuries (e.g., “gamer’s thumb”) and sedentary behavior.
- The brain adapts to the constant dopamine release during gaming, potentially reducing the overall supply of this critical neurotransmitter.
- While the link between video games and depression or anxiety remains complex, intense dopamine and cortisol release during gaming sessions may impact mental health.
Defining Game Addiction
The concept of game addiction is challenging to define. Some researchers consider it a distinct psychiatric disorder, while others view it as part of other psychiatric conditions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) acknowledges the need for further research before formally including “Internet Gaming Disorder” as a diagnosis. Nevertheless, experts agree that gaming has addictive qualities due to the brain’s craving for instant gratification, fast pace, and unpredictability.
As parents we need to manage and monitor what our kids are doing online—whether on social media or using video games. While video games can offer cognitive benefits — moderation and awareness are crucial. Understanding the interplay between dopamine, brain development, and gaming habits helps us navigate the complex landscape of video game effects on teens.
Our suggestion: NO MORE THAN 2 HOURS PER DAY OF USING VIDEO GAMES OR SOCIAL MEDIA.
