Differences in Reward Sensitivity between High and Low Problematic Smartphone Use Adolescents: An ERP Study
Xinmei Deng1, Qiufeng Gao2, Lijun Hu1
1School of Psychology, Normal College, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Adolescents with high problematic smartphone use show heightened sensitivity to social rewards, indicated by distinct neural responses. This suggests a link between reward processing and excessive mobile phone engagement in teens.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Adolescent Psychology
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- Problematic smartphone use is a significant issue in adolescents.
- Previous research links reward sensitivity to problematic smartphone use.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate neural processing of monetary and social rewards/punishments.
- Compare high and low problematic smartphone use adolescents.
Main Methods:
- 46 adolescents categorized into High (HPSU) and Low (LPSU) Problematic Smartphone Use groups.
- Recorded electrocortical activity during reward/punishment feedback processing.
Main Results:
- LPSUs showed greater P3 to social punishment vs. monetary punishment.
- HPSUs showed greater P3 to social reward vs. monetary reward.
- HPSUs exhibited larger reward positivity for social vs. monetary feedback.
Conclusions:
- Neural processing differences observed between HPSU and LPSU groups.
- High sensitivity to social rewards may underlie problematic smartphone use in adolescents.
