For many adolescents, gaming is a beloved pastime, but for some, it may develop into an unhealthy addiction. Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center have discovered a key marker in the adolescent brain that could predict vulnerability to gaming addiction, offering new insights for parents and policymakers.

The study, published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions, tracked 6,143 video game users aged 10–15 over four years. Initial brain scans revealed that teens who later showed symptoms of gaming addiction had lower activity in brain regions associated with decision-making and reward processing. This finding suggests that reduced sensitivity to rewards, particularly non-gaming ones, may contribute to problematic gaming behaviors.

“Gaming itself isn’t unhealthy, but our study shows that some teens are more susceptible to addiction symptoms,” explained Daniel Lopez, PhD, lead author of the study. Researchers emphasize finding a balance between healthy and unhealthy gaming habits rather than outright restrictions.

The research is part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, the largest long-term study of brain development in the U.S., providing transformative data on teen health and behavior.

These findings highlight the importance of early identification and tailored strategies to support teens at risk of gaming addiction, ensuring gaming remains a healthy and enjoyable activity.