MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF INTERNET GAMING DISORDER: A COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenon of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), a condition characterized by excessive and compulsive use of internet-based games, leading to significant disruptions in an individual’s life for at least 12 months. Since its inclusion in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), IGD has gained increasing attention in the global mental health field. The aim of this research is to investigate the development trends of IGD research through a bibliometric analysis, focusing on publication volume, authors, institutional affiliations, and geographical distribution. The method used in this study is bibliometric analysis utilizing data from the Scopus database. This research includes 2,055 articles published on IGD from 2005 to 2025. By searching titles, abstracts, and related keywords, the study identifies significant publication trends, characteristics of the countries and institutions involved, and factors contributing to the IGD phenomenon. The results of the study reveal a significant surge in IGD publications since 2015, coinciding with the growing awareness of the impact of internet gaming addiction on mental health. Countries with advanced technology such as China and the United States have made the largest contributions to this research, while other countries, including several in Asia and Europe, have also played an important role in expanding the understanding of IGD. These findings highlight the importance of international collaboration in understanding IGD, focusing on developing more standardized diagnostic criteria and a more objective research approach for the future.