It depends on the situation. For me, gaming is an escape from the problems I deal with at home and anxiety. In a social game where i communicate through typing, I excel. I've even become a community and guild leader. In real life I'm a recluse that is too scared to talk to a stranger or use the phone for most things.

If gaming overrides a relationship and takes over what would otherwise be a good life on the outside, then yes, its a bad thing. Its not like a drug. Gaming is neutral.

Ugh. It just sucks when you put so much of your life into an online game and then lose access to it, like what happened to me. My friends miss me and I miss them. I have to make trips to Starbucks and hide in the corner just to chat with them over skype, and I can no longer play the game (It has a monthly fee). Double-edged sword, I guess.