Is gaming bad?

Gaming is not inherently bad, but like any activity that can lead to large increases in dopamine, it has the potential to become addictive due to dopamine depletion. Andrew Huberman explains that when someone pursues an activity that produces significant dopamine release, such as playing a video game, it can eventually lead to a substantial drop in dopamine baseline if overdone. When this happens, individuals may experience a "progressive narrowing of the things that bring you pleasure," causing them to lose interest in other important aspects of life like school, relationships, and well-being. In severe cases, the cycle of chasing dopamine through games and facing subsequent depletion can lead to serious depression and is a mechanism that underlies addiction. Thus, it's essential to balance gaming with other activities and be aware of the potential risks of overindulgence 1.