A recent study has found that about 10 percent of boys meet the criteria for internet gaming disorder (IGD) at least once between the ages of 10 and 18. The research, conducted by an international team including NTNU Social Research AS, Nottingham Trent University, and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, followed over 800 participants from Trondheim through their adolescence.
The study observed that while many children play popular games such as Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft as a way to socialize, excessive gaming can become problematic for some. "When gaming over a long period of time affects the young person's ability to relate to the outside world, it may be due to computer game addiction, or 'Internet gaming disorder'," said Lars Wichstrøm, professor at NTNU's Department of Psychology.
Two main factors were consistently seen among those diagnosed with IGD: strong involvement in gaming and negative consequences resulting from it. Wichstrøm explained, "Around one in ten boys met the diagnostic criteria for computer game addiction called 'Internet gaming disorder (IGD)' at least once between the ages of 10 and 18."
The gender difference was notable. Only 1 to 2 percent of girls developed this kind of problem compared to boys. Overall incidence averaged between five and six percent but masked these large differences. Wichstrøm added, "We don't really know why more boys become addicted, but boys have always been more interested in gaming than girls, whether it's computer games, Ludo or chess." He also noted that boys tend to engage in group activities centered around competition or tasks more than girls do.
Beate W. Hygen, senior researcher at NTNU Social Research AS, highlighted how brain chemistry may play a role: "The brain releases dopamine in its reward center when we do activities we enjoy, like gaming. This release increases when we expect a positive experience and when the expectation is actually met." She continued: "Research has shown that dopamine is released during gaming, mostly when you are doing well and especially in competition with others. Boys play competitive games more often, which can result in more frequent dopamine releases. Perhaps this is also part of the explanation for why boys are more often hooked on gaming."
Data came from the Trondheim Early Secure Study—a long-term birth cohort project tracking participants from age 10 to 18 across five follow-ups with equal numbers of boys and girls. The findings showed that heavy involvement in gaming increased up until age 16 before declining by age 18. However, negative consequences related to excessive gaming remained stable even as overall playtime dropped.
Wichstrøm noted: "We see that the proportion who are heavily involved in gaming increases from the age of 10 to the age of 16. But then this clearly falls when they are 18 years old." He added that while many reduce their playing habits as they grow older, a smaller group continues intensive gaming with ongoing negative effects.
Researchers suggest parents should monitor their children's gaming habits early if they have concerns about potential addiction.
