Digital stimulation concerns rise over ‘dopagaki’ phenomenon

The term ‘dopagaki’—a slang term for children perceived to have dopamine addiction due to high-stimulation digital content—has gained traction on social media. Parents report concerns regarding children’s inability to disconnect from smartphones and video games, noting behaviors such as watching anime at double speed to maximize content consumption or becoming agitated without devices.

Experts emphasize that ‘dopagaki’ is not a formal medical diagnosis. While the World Health Organization recognizes ‘gaming disorder’ in its International Classification of Diseases, they distinguish between heavy gaming and clinical disorder. The issue is often driven by the design of digital services, including notifications, rewards, and social validation, which make it difficult for children to disengage.

Rather than focusing solely on limiting screen time, health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest evaluating how digital use impacts essential activities such as sleep, physical exercise, and family interaction. The goal is to ensure that digital consumption does not displace vital developmental needs.