Recent innovations in video game addiction research and theory

Abstract

In 1989, Margaret Shotton published her pioneering study of psychological dependency on computer technology. Since then, the empirical research literature on technology-based addictions, particularly addiction to the Internet and online video games, has grown dramatically in both the Western and Eastern contexts. Expansion of this research area reflects a dramatic growth in the popularity of new interactive digital technologies, as well as mounting concern among health professionals that some vulnerable individuals may experience harm if these technologies are used excessively. It is therefore timely to reflect critically on several key research questions within the psychological field of video game addiction, as well as the broader question of whether contemporary anxieties about high levels of computer technology use are justified. In this paper, we provide an overview of recent innovations in video game addiction research and highlight the benefit of these contributions to the field. These innovations include: (i) changes in the conceptual definition of video game addiction, (ii) greater recognition of the diversity of the video game playing population and the psycho-structural characteristics of video games, (iii) various methodological advances and refinements, and (iv) a broader understanding of the psychosocial correlates of problem video game playing. Finally, we suggest a number of future research directions that may advance the current state of the knowledge in this area.