Behavioral Addiction | Are Internet Addiction and Gaming Disorder the Same?

Internet addiction and gaming disorder are classified as behavioral addictions, and they share fundamental neurobiological pathways with substance addiction. The core of this similarity lies in the brain's reward system, specifically the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. This system is designed to motivate and reward behaviors essential for survival, such as eating and socializing. When an individual engages in a rewarding activity like winning a game or receiving positive feedback on social media, a neurotransmitter called dopamine is released. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that produces feelings of pleasure and reinforcement, teaching the brain to repeat the behavior. In both internet and gaming addiction, this system is hijacked. The constant, variable rewards—unpredictable notifications, likes, or in-game achievements—trigger excessive and frequent dopamine release. Over time, the brain adapts to this heightened stimulation by reducing the number of dopamine receptors, a process known as downregulation. This leads to tolerance, where a person needs more of the stimulus (more time online or gaming) to achieve the same level of pleasure. Furthermore, the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive functions like impulse control, decision-making, and emotional regulation, is often compromised. Reduced activity in this area makes it significantly harder for the individual to control their urges to use the internet or play games, even when they are aware of the negative consequences.

The psychological underpinnings of internet and gaming addiction are remarkably similar. Both often serve as coping mechanisms for underlying psychological distress. Individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or social phobia may turn to the digital world to escape negative feelings or to find a sense of belonging and achievement that they feel is lacking in their real lives. The internet and online games offer a controlled environment where individuals can create idealized personas and experience social interactions without the perceived risks of face-to-face communication. This can lead to a cycle of negative reinforcement: real-world problems cause distress, the individual escapes into the digital world for relief, and this avoidance causes real-world problems to worsen, further increasing the need for escape. Personality traits such as high impulsivity and low self-esteem are also significant risk factors for both conditions. Impulsive individuals are more likely to seek immediate gratification, which digital activities readily provide, while those with low self-esteem may find validation through online social status or gaming competence.

While they share many features, their diagnostic criteria have distinct focuses. Gaming Disorder is officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is included in the ICD-11. Its diagnosis requires a pattern of gaming behavior characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities to the extent that it takes precedence over other interests and daily activities, and continuation or escalation of gaming despite the occurrence of negative consequences. For a diagnosis, this pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, or occupational functioning and would normally have been evident for at least 12 months. Internet addiction, however, is not yet a formal diagnosis in major manuals like the DSM-5 or ICD-11 but is widely studied. Proposed criteria are similar, focusing on preoccupation with the internet, withdrawal symptoms (like irritability or anxiety) when offline, tolerance, and loss of control, leading to negative life consequences.

Yes, co-occurrence of internet addiction and gaming disorder is common. The two behaviors are not mutually exclusive and often reinforce each other. For example, many modern video games require an internet connection and have built-in social media features, blurring the lines between the two activities. An individual might spend hours playing an online game (Gaming Disorder) and then spend several more hours on platforms like Twitch, Discord, or YouTube watching streams, discussing game strategy, or engaging with the gaming community (Internet Addiction). This creates a compounding effect where the desire to game fuels internet use, and vice-versa. This co-occurrence often leads to more severe symptoms, including profound social isolation, neglect of personal and professional responsibilities, and a greater decline in mental health. The manifestation is a near-total immersion in a digital ecosystem at the expense of real-world engagement.

The most effective and widely recognized treatment for both internet addiction and gaming disorder is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals identify and challenge the distorted thoughts and beliefs that fuel their addictive behaviors. For instance, a therapist might help a client challenge the thought "I can only be successful and liked inside the game." The therapy then focuses on developing healthier coping strategies and behaviors to replace the compulsive digital engagement. This involves setting realistic goals for reducing screen time, scheduling alternative offline activities, and learning techniques to manage cravings and triggers. In addition to CBT, other approaches are beneficial. Mindfulness practices can help individuals become more aware of their impulses without acting on them. Family therapy can also be crucial, as it helps repair relationships and establishes a supportive home environment for recovery. For some, a "digital detox"—a complete, temporary break from all digital devices—can be an effective first step to reset their relationship with technology, though it must be followed by structured therapeutic work to be successful long-term.