Gaming Literacy And Dependency: A Review Of Video Game Addiction And Its Impacts

ABSTRACT:
The concept of gaming literacy, understood as the skills, knowledge, and cultural practices associated with engaging in digital games, has gained prominence in recent years as video games have become an integral part of global entertainment and social life. While gaming literacy enables players to navigate virtual worlds, build communities, and enhance problem-solving skills, it also intersects with the darker dimension of dependency. Excessive engagement can lead to video game addiction, a condition defined as repetitive and compulsive gaming behavior that interferes with multiple aspects of daily functioning.
With technological advancements making gaming accessible across devices, the prevalence of gaming-related dependency has risen, positioning it as a significant public health concern. Research highlights neurobiological parallels between video game addiction, substance abuse, and gambling, alongside associations with depression, anxiety, and social difficulties. This review examines the mechanisms underlying video game addiction, interrogates whether it constitutes a clinically recognized addiction, and identifies the key signs and symptoms of dependency. Furthermore, it explores the consequences of excessive gaming and considers available treatment approaches. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies and reliable sources such as PubMed and ScienceDirect, this article situates video game addiction within the broader discourse on gaming literacy, emphasizing the dual role of digital play as both a cultural skillset and a potential source of behavioral risk.