Flowing in the net of disordered gaming: A network analysis approach

The experience of online flow, characterized by immersion and time distortion, may enhance gaming enjoyment but also contribute to disordered gaming patterns. The present paper examined online flow components and their associations with disordered gaming symptoms among 565 role-playing-gamers. Network analysis identified the centrality of time distortion and loss of control within flow states and highlighted their connections to disordered gaming indicators, such as impaired control and gaming prioritization. Enjoyment and positive challenge were core features within flow, suggesting they support adaptive engagement. However, pathways linking prolonged immersion with gaming disorder symptoms indicate that intense flow experiences may increase problematic gaming risks. These findings reveal a nuanced interaction between online flow and disordered gaming, where adaptive enjoyment and challenge can coexist with maladaptive control loss. Overall, the findings highlight how elements of flow can differentially affect gaming outcomes, contributing both to healthy engagement and potential disorder.