Hooked on Play: The Motives and Risks of Internet Gaming

A BSTRACT Internet gaming has emerged as a significant aspect of contemporary digital culture, engaging individuals across diverse age groups and backgrounds. While gaming offers cognitive, social, and entertainment benefits, it also raises concerns regarding excessive use and associated psychological, behavioral, and social risks. This conceptual paper examines the underlying motives for Internet gaming, including escapism, achievement, advancement and competition, social interaction, and immersion which influence gaming behaviors and engagement levels. Additionally, it explores key risk factors such as personal factors such as personality traits, individual vulnerabilities, genetic and neurobiological influences, gaming element such as game design mechanisms, environmental influences, and psychological vulnerabilities that contribute to problematic gaming behaviors, including Internet gaming disorder causing unfavorable repercussion on academic achievement, overall health, and well-being. A comprehensive understanding of Internet gaming motives and associated risks is critical for multiple stakeholders, including gamers, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public. Given the increasing prevalence and immersive nature of Internet gaming, further interdisciplinary research is warranted to develop evidence-based interventions, educational programs, and regulatory frameworks. By fostering a nuanced understanding of gaming’s benefits and risks, society can promote responsible gaming practices and safeguard the well-being of individuals in the digital era.