Understanding Game Addiction Mechanism

The widespread popularity of online games has raised concerns about addiction, which can affect physical and mental health. This paper explores the problem of online game addiction from physiological and psychological perspectives, with special emphasis on changes in brain activity and cognitive patterns. From a physiological perspective, online games stimulate the brain's reward system, and addictive behaviors are associated with alterations in the dopamine pathway as well as changes in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum. From a psychological perspective, gaming addiction is influenced by the perceived value of rewards in gaming, maladaptive gaming behaviors, reliance on gaming for self-esteem, and the search for social approval. Treatments for online game addiction mainly include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacological therapies (e.g., antidepressants), with the former helping to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. Future research should explore preventive measures from the perspective of game design, incorporate anti-addiction mechanisms, and strike a balance between entertainment and responsible gaming behavior.