I can be a little embarrassed to admit this, but my 6-year-old has been crowned the “pinball king” of our house. Since he discovered the arcade and video games, he was very interested. His older brother got a game controller in the style of a 1980s birthday gift. My youngest was addicted to it. While we limit gaming time, I’ve noticed games stay on his mind even after he’s done playing. He’ll ask me to “play Minecraft” on the playground. He’ll act out game scenarios and debate strategies with his brother. He’s so engrossed that he doesn’t hear me at all. Playing video games, he becomes absorbed in Minecraft or Aviator Game. This raises a question. Why is everyone, especially kids, so addicted to video games?
The Fascinating Science Behind Why Kids Love Video Games
I’m ashamed to say that a 6-year-old has become known as the “pinball king” around my house. He was excited to find out how awesome arcade and video games are. While we limit gaming time in our home, the games are still on his mind, even after playing. He’ll ask me to “play Minecraft” on the playground or act out real-life game scenarios with his brother. He and his brother debate different game strategies. While playing this video game, he gets so carried away that he barely hears a word I say. And, of course, I always wonder: why do kids like video games?
Why are Video Games Popular with Children?
Dopamine is a brain chemical linked to pleasure. It explains why kids find video games so appealing. Playing raises dopamine levels. It makes the experience fun and leaves them wanting more. This is like the dopamine boost from ice cream or winning a game. But, it is less intense than with drugs.
While regular, too much gaming can overstimulate the brain. It then needs more dopamine to feel the same pleasure. That’s why setting limits is essential—just like you wouldn’t let your child eat unlimited ice cream.
The Revealing Reason Why Kids Love Video Games
While we limit gaming time in our house, I can sometimes see that the games are still on his mind, even after playing. He’ll ask me to “play Minecraft” on the playground or act out real-life game scenarios with his brother. He and his brother debate different game strategies. He is so engrossed in the video game that he does not even hear a word I say when allowed to play it. This, of course, makes me wonder: why do kids like video games?
As someone with a background in child development, I am very curious about this. What about the play, the situation, or their mood makes the game so appealing? I’ve started trying to observe when my kids are most drawn to games—what else is happening? What is their mood? Are they tired, hungry, or overstimulated?
Why are Video Games Popular with Children?
When kids play, dopamine levels rise, making games fun and rewarding. This is like how dopamine increases when we eat ice cream or win a game—but much less intense than with drugs.
While this dopamine boost is standard, limiting gaming time is essential. Too much can overstimulate the brain’s reward system. It makes it harder to feel the same enjoyment later. Think of it like eating too much ice cream—it’s fun in moderation but can have downsides if overdone.
Final thoughts
But, setting limits is key. It keeps gaming healthy and balanced.
About the Author
