Game On or Gone Too Far? Executive Functioning and Habit Learning in Problematic vs. Recreational Gamers

Video gaming often sparks controversy, though negative effects are mainly linked to gaming disorder, not gaming itself. Research shows that gaming disorder is associated with reduced executive functioning and greater reliance on habitual processes, while recreational gaming may relate to enhanced cognitive functions. However, comprehensive comparisons of cognitive profiles across gaming behaviors remain scarce. Therefore, we aimed to compare the cognitive functioning of non-gamers (NG), recreational gamers (RG), and gaming disorder risk individuals (GDR). Based on the Internet Gaming Disorder Test scores, 114 participants were classified into NG, RG, or GDR groups. Executive functions were assessed using the Go/No-Go, Counting Span, Digit Span, Card Sorting, 1-back and 2-back tasks. Habit learning was measured with the Alternating Serial Reaction Time task. The GDR group showed reduced working memory, performing worse on the Digit Span task than the NG group, and worse on the Counting Span task than both NG and RG groups. Conversely, the RG group displayed enhanced attention-related performance. No group differences emerged in other executive functions or overall habit learning. Interaction analyses revealed a negative relationship between habit learning and inhibitory control/updating across groups, supporting competition theory, while a positive link between working memory and habit learning in NG and GDR groups suggests possible compensatory mechanisms. Overall, this study underscores that cognitive impairments are linked to gaming disorder rather than gaming itself, while recreational gaming may offer cognitive benefits. These findings provide insights into the distinct cognitive profiles of recreational gamers and those at risk of gaming disorder.