Policy and prevention efforts for gaming should consider a broad perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Digital Media Studies

Background:

• Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a recognized mental health concern with increasing prevalence worldwide.
• Existing efforts to prevent or mitigate gaming problems lack robust empirical validation.
• There is a critical gap in evidence-based interventions for addressing excessive gaming behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of prevention research for internet gaming disorder.
• To identify gaps and opportunities for developing empirically supported interventions.
• To guide future research and best practices in abating IGD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of prevention research related to internet gaming disorder.
• Analysis of empirical evaluations of interventions aimed at reducing problematic gaming.
• Synthesis of findings to inform prevention strategies.

Main Results:

• Few existing prevention approaches for IGD have undergone rigorous empirical evaluation.
• The effectiveness of current interventions for preventing or treating gaming problems remains largely unproven.
• Significant need exists for evidence-based prevention programs.

Conclusions:

• The field of IGD prevention requires substantial advancement through empirical research.
• Developing and validating effective interventions is crucial for public health.
• Future research should focus on creating and testing novel prevention strategies for excessive gaming.