Internet addiction research subject: Whether computer games or sex – he knows all about addiction: Prof. Dr. Matthias Brand from the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) has been researching for years what goes on in the minds of addicts and how their behavior can be changed. In the current issue of Science, the psychology professor analyzes the similarity between problematic internet use and other addictions. ( HERE )

The problem of internet addiction is growing

Up to 3% of teenagers and young adults worldwide suffer from computer gaming addiction, and around 7% of the general population repeatedly turns to various Internet applications in an addictive manner.

“Because we as humans are online more and more often, it is important to understand when an enriching use becomes problematic,” explains Brand in his article.

When gaming for days and nights, some people forget to eat and drink and hardly have any contact with the outside world.

“Problematic use of the Internet provides pleasure and helps reduce stress and negative moods. “Parallels can be drawn here with other addictive substances: they also affect the brain’s reward system,” says Brand.

Who is at risk? And why?

What are the resilience and risk factors? Or to put it another way: Why do some people become addicted, while others manage to control their internet use well so that it is functionally integrated into everyday life and does not lead to negative consequences? Brand describes two driving paths to addictive online behavior: “The feel-good path” includes both positive reinforcement experiences (pleasure, reward) and negative ones (reduction of stress and negative mood). The “must path” includes habits, such as automatic reactions to stimuli, and in particular compulsive behavior even though one is aware of the negative consequences.

Self-control

Self-control is the important counterpart to the two drive pathways, says Brand, who argues that there is likely an imbalance in these brain systems in online addicts. It is not yet clear what exactly causes such an imbalance. Genetic factors could play a role, as could family ones.

Many questions still remain unanswered

Although much has been achieved in research into online addictions, many questions still remain unanswered. It is not yet clear whether reduced self-control is the cause or consequence of addictive behavior, or both.

“We need to better understand the mechanisms behind online addictions and what role specific features of Internet applications play in order to further develop prevention and therapy,” says Brand.

You might also be interested in: Tips for dealing with digital theft

Source: German Health Portal


If you enjoyed this post and value the importance of well-founded information, become part of the exclusive Mimikama Club! Support our work and help us promote awareness and combat misinformation. As a club member you receive:

📬 Special Weekly Newsletter: Get exclusive content straight to your inbox.
🎥 Exclusive video* “Fact Checker Basic Course”: Learn from Andre Wolf how to recognize and combat misinformation.
📅 Early access to in-depth articles and fact checks: always be one step ahead.
📄 Bonus articles, just for you: Discover content you won't find anywhere else.
📝 Participation in webinars and workshops : Join us live or watch the recordings.
✔️ Quality exchange: Discuss safely in our comment function without trolls and bots.

Join us and become part of a community that stands for truth and clarity. Together we can make the world a little better!

* In this special course, Andre Wolf will teach you how to recognize and effectively combat misinformation. After completing the video, you have the opportunity to join our research team and actively participate in the education - an opportunity that is exclusively reserved for our club members!


Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )