Teenagers and games: study shows that addiction to games has a negative impact
A recent survey published on July 10, 2026, carried out by the Karl Landsteiner University of Applied Sciences, located in Krems, Austria, brought important data to the discussion about the use of video games by teenagers. The study, which analyzed the behavior of 3,854 young people aged between 12 and 16, challenges the common perception that excessive time in front of screens is the main villain. Instead, scientists have discovered that the core problem lies in addictive behaviors, or what they call “online gaming disorder.”
This nuance is fundamental, because, contrary to the alarmism often associated with the topic, researchers highlight that the mere number of hours dedicated to games is not the determining factor for cognitive deficits. The focus of the analysis is on the loss of control in the use of games, which can lead to negative consequences in the psychological development of adolescents, a perspective that offers a deeper and less generalist understanding of the subject.
Distinguishing controlled use from gaming disorder
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Scientific research conducted by Dr. David Willinger and his team argues for a clear distinction between healthy engagement and compulsive behavior regarding video games. The study emphasizes that controlled use, even for many hours, does not necessarily cause problems. The issue arises when the teenager loses the ability to manage his playing time, expressing an uncontrollable desire to play or persisting in the activity despite losses in other areas of life, such as school performance.
This pattern of behavior, defined as gaming disorder, is what really sets off warning bells for experts. It is when the line between hobby and compulsion is crossed that the adverse effects begin to manifest themselves in a significant way, impacting the well-being and development of the young person.
The Cognitive Impacts of Gaming Addiction
When gaming behavior becomes compulsive and uncontrolled, the study reveals a series of negative consequences on adolescents’ cognitive function. Specific tests administered to affected participants demonstrated a measurable decline in skills crucial to learning and development.
- Logical reasoning:There were notable deficits in the ability to think structuredly and solve problems.
- Long-term memory:Young people had difficulty retaining information for prolonged periods.
- Visuospatial skills:An impairment in the perception and understanding of spatial and visual relationships was noted.
- Verbal skills:The ability to communicate and express itself has been affected.
- Decision making:Addicted teens made more mistakes when making quick decisions under pressure.
These results highlight that the dysfunction is not in the act of playing itself, but in the way the activity is installed in the adolescent’s routine and mind, disorganizing other essential functions.
How certain types of games can be beneficial for development
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In contrast to the negative effects of gaming disorder, research has also highlighted that, when played in a controlled manner and with a clear purpose, video games can even have a slightly positive impact on cognitive performance. A teenager who plays a complex strategic game, for example, may be exercising valuable skills.
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The game genre plays an important role in this scenario. Role-playing games and strategy games, which often involve detailed planning, resource management and complex reasoning, have been shown to stimulate:
- The development of logical reasoning.
- Improvement of expressive skills.
The research was able, for the first time, to differentiate the effects of playing time from those generated by addictive behavior, using consolidated psychological and motor skills tests, along with structural equation models.
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Game genres and the risk of addiction
Despite the potential benefits of some genres, the study also issued a warning about other types of games. Those that are fast-paced, action-focused, and frequently involve shooting (first-person shooter or FPS games, for example) have shown a stronger correlation with the severity of a possible online gaming disorder. This suggests that the nature of the content and game dynamics may influence the risk of developing addictive patterns.
The researchers therefore recommend that the discussion of adolescent video game use adopt a more nuanced perspective, considering individual gaming patterns and preferred genres, rather than labeling heavy gaming use as a pervasive threat to cognitive function.
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The importance of an individualized analysis for young people
The study’s main message is clear: demonizing screen time indiscriminately is a mistake. For parents, educators and health professionals, it is crucial to understand that the issue is not the clock, but rather the relationship that the teenager establishes with the game. Rather than simply restricting hours, the focus should be on watching for signs of loss of control, compulsion, and the negative impact on the young person’s responsibilities and overall well-being.
An approach that values understanding individual behavior, the choice of games and the contexts in which they are played, will allow for more effective interventions and more appropriate support for teenagers, promoting a healthy balance between digital entertainment and other areas of life.
