Global Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Implications…

ReviewBrain sciences· Jul 2026

Global Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Implications for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Elisabeth C S Poon, Xun Ci Soh, Trina J H Poh … Andree Hartanto

Child & AdolescentReviewQ2IF 3.6

Internet gaming disorder has a median global prevalence of 6.20%

Global Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Implications for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Elisabeth C S Poon … Andree Hartanto

Brain sciences · Jul 2026

Background

Internet gaming has become a widespread global activity, raising concerns about the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (Internet Gaming Disorder).

Purpose

This umbrella review aims to clarify the prevalence and variability of Internet Gaming Disorder by synthesizing evidence from meta-analyses to provide a comprehensive overview of Internet Gaming Disorder prevalence across populations, age groups, and regions.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches were carried out across five published literature databases and two supplementary search sources.

6.20%

Results

6.20%

about 1 in 16 people worldwide meet criteria for internet gaming disorder

More results

Subgroup analyses indicated a higher prevalence among males compared to females.

More results

Regional comparisons suggested higher prevalence estimates in Asia than in Europe, and gamer profile comparisons suggested higher prevalence estimates in gamers than in the general population, although evidence for these differences was limited and not consistent across meta-analyses.

“

Conclusion · 1 of 2

Overall, the findings indicate that Internet Gaming Disorder affects a sizeable proportion of the population, but prevalence estimates vary depending on demographic and regional characteristics.

Conclusion · 2 of 2

Greater consistency in diagnostic criteria, assessment tools, and reporting standards is needed to improve the comparability and interpretability of Internet Gaming Disorder prevalence research.

Global Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Implications for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Global Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Implications for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Related papers