Problematic smartphone use is associated with differences in static and dynamic brain functional connectivity in
Dayi Liu1, Xiaoxuan Liu2, Yicheng Long1
1Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|November 7, 2022
Summary
Problematic smartphone use is linked to altered brain network organization in young adults, affecting both static and dynamic connectivity. This research aids in identifying individuals at risk for smartphone addiction and guiding future interventions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is a growing concern among young adults.
- Understanding the neural underpinnings of PSU is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between PSU and brain functional connectivity.
- To examine both static and dynamic functional connectivity patterns in relation to PSU.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state fMRI data were collected from 53 young healthy adults.
- Smartphone addiction severity was assessed using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV).
- Static and dynamic brain network measures were analyzed and correlated with SAS-SV scores.
Main Results:
- Higher SAS-SV scores correlated positively with static brain network efficiency (global and local).
- Higher SAS-SV scores correlated negatively with dynamic brain network temporal variability.
- Specific subnetworks, including frontoparietal and attention networks, showed altered connectivity patterns.
Conclusions:
- PSU is associated with distinct alterations in both static and dynamic brain network organization in young adults.
- Findings may inform the identification of at-risk populations and guide targeted interventions.
- Further research with larger samples and refined diagnostic criteria is recommended.
