Dr. Gentile suggested that teenagers who are experiencing problems may retreat into gaming, and that the gaming may, in turn, increase their depression and isolation. He says that parents should regulate their children’s use of video games and trust their instincts on what constitutes excessive use, something that his critics from the gaming industry also agree on.
This annotation highlights Dr. Gentile's suggestion that teenagers experiencing problems may use gaming as a means of escape, which can exacerbate their feelings of depression and social isolation. This underscores the potential role that excessive gaming can play in perpetuating negative mental health outcomes for young people. Furthermore, Dr. Gentile recommends that parents regulate their children's use of video games and trust their instincts when it comes to identifying excessive use. This aligns with the perspective of critics from the gaming industry, who also advocate for responsible use of video games. Overall, this point emphasizes the need for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks associated with excessive gaming and take steps to mitigate them.