Conceptualizing Internet use disorders: Addiction or coping process?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• The study of Internet use disorders often adopts an addiction framework, drawing parallels with substance use disorders.
• Despite its prevalence, the addiction perspective has yielded limited insights into the antecedents and etiology of Internet use disorders.
• The inclusion of Internet gaming disorder in the DSM-5 as a behavioral addiction highlights the continued reliance on this framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically examine the utility of an addiction framework for studying Internet use disorders.
• To argue that this framework may negatively impact the interpretation of findings and hinder theoretical development.
• To propose alternative research approaches and strengthen existing addiction-focused conceptualizations.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of existing literature on Internet use disorders and addiction.
• Examination of empirical studies that illustrate a mismatch between addiction framing and findings.
• Literature review to identify alternative explanations and theoretical frameworks.

Main Results:

• The addiction framework, particularly when applied to Internet use disorders, may not adequately explain underlying causes or behaviors.
• A mismatch is often observed where studies framed as addiction research present findings more indicative of coping mechanisms.
• This conceptual mismatch impedes robust theoretical and etiological contributions to the field.

Conclusions:

• Rethinking the exclusive reliance on an addiction framework is crucial for advancing the study of Internet use disorders.
• Exploring alternative explanations can lead to a more nuanced understanding of the etiology and development of these disorders.
• Scholars should consider refining addiction-based approaches or adopting new frameworks to improve research contributions.