Although there is much research since the 1980s on problematic online gaming use, the mechanisms are not well understood, due to inconsistent definitions used in studies.<unk> <unk>  structure Some theories focus on the presumed built-in reward systems of<unk> <unk> s, such as compulsion loops, to explain their potentially addictive nature. The anticipation of such rewards can create a neurological reaction that releases dopamine into the body, so that once the reward is obtained, the person will remember it as a pleasurable feeling. This has been found to be similar to the neurological reaction of other behavioral<unk> s such as substance abuse and gambling disorder, although not to the same magnitude and with some differences. Mark Griffiths has proposed another reason online<unk> <unk> s are potentially addictive is because they "can be played all day every day." The fact there is no end to the<unk>  can feel rewarding for some, and hence players are further engaged in the<unk> .<unk>  circuits in the brain Long-term internet<unk> /mobile<unk>  playing affects brain regions responsible for reward, impulse control and sensory-motor coordination. Structural analyses shown modifications in the volume of the ventral striatum, possibly as result of changes in rewards, and<unk> <unk>  addicts had faulty inhibitory control and reward mechanisms.<unk> <unk>  playing is associated with dopamine release similar in magnitude to that of drug abuse, and the presentation of gaming pictures activates brain regions similarly to drug pictures for drug addicts. Treatment studies which used fMRI to monitor the brain connectivity changes found a decrease in the activity of the regions associated with cravings. Although there are evidences that<unk>  may be supported by similar neural mechanisms underlying drug abuse, as<unk> <unk>  and internet<unk> s reduce the sensitivity of the dopaminergic reward system, it is still premature to conclude that this<unk>  is equivalent to substance<unk> s, as the research is in its early stages. There is evidence of a dual processing model of digital technology<unk> s characterized by an imbalance between the reactive and the reflective reward systems. Other studies shown increased difficulties in decision making in specific contexts, such as risky situations but not in ambiguous situations, and an increased preference for short-term rewards. Although the number of neuroimaging studies on internet gaming disorder is rising, there are several methodological shortcomings, particularly in the inconsistency of psychometric assessments. Furthermore, the conclusions on reduced inhibition should be moderated, as only one study included a functional control, which then showed no difference in inhibition. A meta-analytic review of the research concluded the evidence suggests<unk>  arises out of other mental health problems, rather than causing them. Thus it is unclear whether<unk>  should be considered a unique diagnosis.
Video game addiction
Pornography addiction
Computer addiction
Doping in sport
Problematic smartphone use
Problematic social media use
Nicotine dependence
Alcohol dependence