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Updated: May 24, 2026
08:53
Integrating Computerized Linguistic and Social Network Analyses to Capture Addiction Recovery Capital in an Online Community
Published on: May 31, 2019
Extensive internet involvement--addiction or emerging lifestyle?
Karin Helmersson Bergmark1, Anders Bergmark, Olle Findahl
1Department of Sociology & Addiction Research Group, Stockholm University, S-10691 Stockholm, Sweden. karin.bergmark@sociology.su.se
Summary
This study explores problematic internet use (PIU) and its link to behavioral addictions, finding that while many report issues, few meet all criteria. Time spent and specific online activities are key predictors.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- The concept of "Internet addiction" is being considered for diagnostic systems like the DSM-5.
- Research on problematic internet use (PIU) often uses traditional addiction frameworks, but the line between addiction and modern lifestyles is unclear.
- The idea of "behavioral addictions" is emerging, focusing on neurobiological mechanisms like brain reward systems, independent of specific substances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss and reflect on the challenges and implications of classifying "behavioral addictions" based on neurobiological models.
- To analyze data from a Swedish survey on internet use to understand the prevalence and predictors of problematic internet use.
Main Methods:
- A Swedish survey on internet use was conducted with 1,147 respondents.
- Data analysis focused on prevalence of internet use, time spent online, social effects, and self-reported problems related to internet use.
- Statistical analysis identified predictors of problematic internet use indicators.
Main Results:
- 85% of Swedes use the internet, with average home use at 9.8 hours/week; only 5% exceed 30 hours/week.
- While many report positive social effects (more contacts), a decline in face-to-face interactions was noted.
- Approximately 40% reported at least one problem related to internet use, but only 1.8% reported all addressed problems. Age, time spent online, gaming, and computer skills were significant predictors.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the complexity of defining "Internet addiction" and "behavioral addictions" within existing diagnostic frameworks.
- Problematic internet use is prevalent but often mild, with specific time-consuming activities being key risk factors.
- Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria for behavioral addictions, considering neurobiological and lifestyle factors.
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