Psychological and neuroscientific advances to understand Internet Use Disorder

Abstract

Internet Use Disorder (IUD; previously referred to as "Internet addiction") has been considered an emerging public health issue. However, the topic is debated and remains highly controversial. Furthermore, the inclusion of a Gaming Disorder diagnosis in ICD-11 by the World Health Organization have rekindled debates on the nature of behavioral addictions. Against this background, the present review aims to provide readers with a summary on the current state of diagnostic approaches, risk factors and neurobiological models of IUD. Moreover, and in this context, the present work will include an outlook on smartphone use disorder (often referred to as "smartphone addiction"). With respect to neurobiological underpinnings of IUD, different approaches including molecular genetics and neuroimaging have been employed. Here we will focus on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in particular. In doing so, we will outline limitations of the available literature and provide an outlook for future research questions, which aim to integrate IUD with other behavioral and substance-based addictions.