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Applying behavioral economic theory to problematic Internet use: An initial investigation.
Samuel F Acuff1, James MacKillop2, James G Murphy1
1Department of Psychology, University of Memphis.
Summary
Problematic Internet use may stem from overvaluing immediate rewards, similar to other addictive behaviors. This study found that high demand and discounting increase the risk for compulsive Internet use.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Economics
- Psychology
- Internet Studies
Background:
- The Internet offers benefits but can lead to compulsive and problematic use.
- Behavioral economics offers a framework to understand addictive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test if problematic Internet use is a 'reinforcer pathology' within a behavioral economic framework.
- To examine the role of immediate reward overvaluation in compulsive Internet use.
Main Methods:
- Survey data collected from 256 adults via Amazon's Mechanical Turk.
- Measures included delay discounting, consideration of future consequences, Internet demand, and alternative reinforcement.
- Statistical analyses identified unique predictors of problematic Internet use and craving.
Main Results:
- Delay discounting, Internet demand, and alternative reinforcement uniquely predicted problematic Internet use and craving.
- Elevated demand and discounting were associated with the highest risk for problematic Internet use.
- Individuals with heavy Internet use showed higher motivation for Internet activities and lower motivation for delayed rewards.
Conclusions:
- Problematic Internet use aligns with a behavioral economic model of addiction, characterized by overvaluation of immediate rewards.
- Diminished motivation for alternative, delayed rewards contributes to compulsive Internet use.
- Understanding these economic factors can inform interventions for problematic Internet use.
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