Smartphone restriction modulates intrinsic neural activity in problematic smartphone users: Evidence from...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is linked to withdrawal symptoms and altered intrinsic neural activity (INA).
• Limited research exists on how INA changes during smartphone restriction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate longitudinal changes in resting-state INA after short-term smartphone deprivation.
• To compare these changes between individuals with and without PSU.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal resting-state fMRI study with 36 participants (18-29 years old).
• Participants were categorized into PSU (n=19) and non-PSU (n=17) groups.
• fMRI scans were conducted before and after a 72-hour smartphone restriction period.

Main Results:

• A significant group-by-time interaction showed altered INA in prefrontal, cingulate, sensorimotor, and occipital regions.
• Non-PSU group: increased INA over time; PSU group: decreased INA in prefrontal/cingulate areas, increased in sensorimotor/occipital areas.
• Craving and smartphone use severity correlated with specific neural activity changes.

Conclusions:

• PSU is associated with distinct, state-dependent neurofunctional alterations.
• These alterations may reflect withdrawal processes, maladaptive reward, and cognitive control mechanisms.