Singapore's young adults are facing a growing crisis with problematic gaming, as highlighted by a recent comprehensive study revealing prevalence rates significantly higher than global averages. Conducted in 2023 and published in early 2025, the research surveyed over 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 40, underscoring the urgency for awareness and intervention in a nation where nearly 90% of young people engage in gaming amid 99% internet penetration.

This issue resonates particularly in higher education circles, where university students—comprising a substantial portion of the demographic—juggle academic pressures with digital escapes, potentially derailing their studies and future careers. With 68.6% of participants holding university education, the findings signal risks to academic performance and employability in competitive fields.

Defining Internet Gaming Disorder and Gaming Disorder

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), recognized in the DSM-5 as a condition warranting further study, involves nine criteria such as preoccupation, withdrawal, tolerance, loss of control, and continued use despite harm, with five or more symptoms indicating the disorder. Gaming Disorder (GD), per ICD-11 by the World Health Organization, requires all three core features: impaired control over gaming, prioritization over other interests, and persistence despite negative consequences, persisting for at least 12 months.

These definitions distinguish online-focused (IGD) from any gaming (GD), capturing the spectrum of problematic gaming where immersive experiences like battle royales or MMORPGs hook users through rewards, social bonds, and escapism. In Singapore's high-stress environment of academic and work excellence, gaming serves as an accessible outlet unregulated compared to substances like alcohol.

Prevalence Rates: Higher Than Global Benchmarks

The study found 10.3% (95% CI: 8.4-12.2%) of young adults met IGD criteria and 5.0% (95% CI: 3.6-6.3%) for GD, with significant overlap (3.6% both). These rates exceed Asian regional averages (5.08%) and European figures (2.72%), positioning problematic gaming as a pressing social issue in Singapore.

Prior local data showed 8.7% among school students and 15.4% in college cohorts, aligning with this young adult snapshot. Globally, young adults hover at 10.4% risk, but Singapore's figures stand out due to cultural and accessibility factors.

Source: Chew et al. (2025).

Demographic Vulnerabilities: Gender and Beyond

Males exhibited nearly double the rates (IGD: 14.6%, GD: 7.2%) compared to females (IGD: 6.2%, GD: 2.8%), linked to preferences for competitive genres fostering aggression and longer sessions. The sample mirrored Singapore's diversity: 74.1% Chinese, 13.4% Malay, 9.3% Indian, with average age 28.46 and high employment (76.5%).

Young adults in universities like NUS or NTU, often in this 18-40 bracket, face amplified risks amid transition stresses, where gaming displaces study time and social integration essential for academic success.

Risk Factors and Correlates Unpacked

Affected individuals logged more hours (weekdays: IGD 4.52h vs. 2.82h; GD 5.43h), spent more (average SGD 206.78 total), and endorsed all seven gaming motivations—social, escape, competition, coping, skill, fantasy, recreation—at higher levels. Escape and coping motivations, tied to relieving negative moods (25.3% endorsement), perpetuate cycles.

• Higher depression, anxiety, stress scores (e.g., IGD depression M=12.39 vs. 7.48)
• Better self-reported sleep (IGD M=7.28 vs. 6.81), possibly from mood relief but needing deeper probes
• Action genres (20.4%) prevalent

Mental Health and Broader Life Impacts

Problematic gaming fuels a vicious cycle: stress drives escapism, but excess worsens depression, anxiety, isolation, and impairments in work/study, relationships, health. University students risk lower GPAs, missed lectures, and stalled internships, compounding Singapore's kiasu culture pressures.

Post-COVID surges (30% case rise) highlight vulnerabilities, with youths comprising 80%+ of cases.

Academic and Professional Consequences in Higher Education

For Singapore's university students, problematic gaming correlates with declining performance, as systematic reviews confirm negative links worldwide. Local college data (15.4% prevalence) suggests similar trends at institutions like SIT or JCU Singapore, where gaming supplants group projects or research.

Career implications loom large: impaired focus hinders preparation for roles in tech or academia. Those seeking balance might explore higher ed career advice to build resilience.

Expert Perspectives: Push-Pull Dynamics

Assoc Prof Peter Chew notes gaming's accessibility: "They’re mostly free and unregulated." Social workers like Carmmen Lee describe virtual personas filling relational voids, while NAMS's S.B. Viknesan flags immersive tech (AR, AI). Push factors: academic/family stress; pull: loot boxes, rewards.

Institutional Responses and Treatment Options

NAMS at IMH offers multidisciplinary assessments for young adults, emphasizing early intervention. Community groups like Trybe and Impart provide counseling. No major 2025-2026 gaming-specific policies, but screen time guidelines and NCPG anti-addiction efforts exist.

• Signs: Preoccupation, isolation, neglect of hygiene/meals, irritability sans gaming
• Treatment: Therapy targeting emotions/motivations, CBT, support groups

Prevention: The Role of Third Places

Experts advocate "third places"—youth hubs beyond home/school—for connection via hobbies, sports. Healthy games like Minecraft foster teamwork. Parents: model balance, use controls; individuals: schedule breaks, prioritize sleep.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Longitudinal studies needed for causality; regulate loot boxes, promote mental health destigmatization. For higher ed aspirants, integrating wellness in curricula could mitigate risks. Explore Singapore university jobs, higher ed jobs, or career advice for balanced paths. Rate experiences at Rate My Professor. Proactive steps today ensure thriving tomorrows.