Countries that struggle with lower overall quality of life often show a greater susceptibility to computer-related addictive behaviors. This observation comes from an interview with a psychiatrist affiliated with the Human Brain Institute, as reported by socialbites.ca. The expert named Bekhtereva Vadim Gagin provided context on how lifestyle factors intersect with digital use and mental health in diverse populations across North America and beyond.
Within a global research frame, a psychiatrist notes a publication that examined gambling prevalence in 31 countries across seven regions. A meta-analysis of these studies found that the global share of gambling disorder among individuals who have regular access to computers and the internet hovered around 6.0 percent. This figure highlights a shared risk among heavy digital users, though regional differences are pronounced and require careful interpretation when applying to different health systems, cultures, and policy environments in Canada and the United States.
Gagin pointed out that the highest reported frequencies appeared in the Middle East, reaching about 10.9 percent, while Northern and Western Europe reported the lowest levels, around 2.6 percent. The explanation often offered is that some people in more technologically saturated societies may feel more at ease in virtual spaces than in real-life settings. In online environments such as video games, a user can experience a sense of achievement, validation, and fulfillment that might be harder to obtain offline. This dynamic, when paired with easy access to gambling-like mechanics in digital products, can contribute to problematic patterns for certain individuals.
The same expert also referenced regional differences in Asia, where some studies have documented gambling involvement in early adulthood reaching as high as a quarter of respondents. It is important to recognize that such figures may shift with ongoing internet growth, changing regulatory landscapes, and evolving cultural attitudes toward gaming and risk. Additionally, data from several regions, including Africa, are not always represented in these broad analyses, underscoring the need for more inclusive and up-to-date surveillance that informs prevention and treatment efforts in North American settings as well as globally.
Researchers emphasize that identifying risk factors for digital and gambling-related problems requires a nuanced approach. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to digital devices, educational opportunities, family dynamics, and comorbid mental health conditions all play a role. Health professionals in North America increasingly advocate for screening in primary care and school-based programs, alongside public health campaigns that promote responsible gaming, digital literacy, and balanced technology use. In Canada and the United States, these initiatives are often paired with policies that protect vulnerable groups, provide resources for treatment, and reduce stigma around seeking help for behavioral health concerns. At the same time, clinicians stress the importance of clear communication about the differences between entertainment-focused gaming and harmful patterns that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or work. Ongoing research continues to clarify how best to tailor interventions to diverse communities while respecting cultural contexts and individual autonomy.