The tug-of-war between engagement and dysregulation: A comprehensive analysis of cognition and internet gaming disorder in adolescents
Recent Publication
A recent study by Dr David Willinger MSc and Professor Stefan Steiger from the Department of Psychological Methodology shows that online gaming among young people needs to be viewed in a more differentiated way. The researchers were able to prove that it is not the pure playing time that is decisive, but whether the gaming behaviour is controlled or problematic. While excessive and uncontrolled gaming (Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD) is associated with poorer cognitive performance, frequent but regulated gaming even shows positive effects, for example on spatial thinking and problem-solving skills. Strategy and role-playing games in particular were associated with better cognitive abilities, while certain shooter games tended to correlate with problematic behaviour. The results make it clear that it is not gaming itself that is harmful, but above all the loss of control over it.
Willinger, D., Wunderl, S., & Stieger, S. (2026). The tug-of-war between engagement and dysregulation: A comprehensive analysis of cognition and internet gaming disorder in adolescents. Computers in Human Behavior, 182, 109025. Article 109025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2026.109025
Dr. David Willinger MSc
Scientific Staff (PostDoc)
Department of Psychological Methodology
Univ.-Prof. PD Mag. Dr. Stefan Stieger
Head of
Department of Psychological Methodology