Exploring the Psychological Roots of Internet Addiction

Researchers led by Prof. Dr. Matthias Brand from the University of Duisburg-Essen are investigating the underlying psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to internet addiction. Since 2020, their studies have focused on understanding how patterns of thinking and behavior, particularly self-control functions, influence the development and persistence of problematic internet use. Their initial findings, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, reveal that individuals with addictive internet behaviors tend to take longer to filter out distractions and engage more frequently in impulsive and risky decisions compared to those without such symptoms. Although these differences fall within the normal range, they remain significant even after accounting for factors like age, intelligence, and mental health issues such as depression. The research suggests a potential chain reaction: difficulties in self-control might predispose individuals to internet addiction, which in turn can further impair self-control over time. Between 2021 and 2024, over 1,000 volunteers across Germany participated in cognitive tasks and questionnaires, enabling the team to classify participants as having problematic, risky, or non-problematic internet use based on standardized addiction criteria. The comprehensive scope of this study makes it unique worldwide and provides valuable insights into the mechanisms driving addictive online behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of understanding self-control processes in the prevention and treatment of internet addiction.