Cognitive Correlates in Gaming Disorder and Social Networks Use Disorder: a Comparison

Abstract

Purpose of Review This overview aims at summarizing studies, which investigated cognitive correlates of gaming disorder and of a problematic use of social networks by using behavioral experimental paradigms and brain imaging techniques. Recent Findings Based on theoretical models, inhibition/inhibitory control, attentional bias, executive functions, decision-making, and working memory capabilities have been identified as cognitive components, which are assumed to play a crucial role in the development and maintenance of an addictive behavior. A systematic search shows that various studies have already examined the involvement of different cognitive components in both types of potential addictive behaviors. However, the number of studies addressing cognitive correlates of social networks use disorder is very much lower compared with gaming disorder, even if there is a positive trend in terms of new publications in recent years. Summary Cognitive correlates have been frequently investigated in gaming disorder, as in many other disorders due to substance use or addictive behaviors. Studies on cognitive aspects involved in a problematic social networks use are still rare, but they are needed in order to further show if this phenomenon may also deserve a classification as addictive disorder. Interactions between different cognitive and affective processes are still understudied in both gaming disorder and problematic social networks use.

Mind over Matter: Testing the Efficacy of an Online Randomized Controlled Trial to Reduce Distraction from Smartphone Use

“…Therefore, handling distraction, which has neural correlates [ 203 ], may be the means to resisting cue reactivity, implicated in smartphone addiction, in reduced cognitive performance [ 113 ] or in obsessive-compulsive symptoms [ 204 ]. Further research is required to assess these cognitive and emotive dimensions of smartphone distraction and its effects on engagement in line with current trends [ 205 ]. However, it has been proposed that the construct of distraction extends beyond the debate on smartphone addiction by considering the role of the smartphone in coping with negative emotions and addressing preference for online vs. offline communications [ 206 ].…”

“…Despite these limitations, the study provides initial evidence for efficacy of strategies in curbing smartphone distraction and adds to the limited body of knowledge of cognitive-emotive processes in smartphone and social media use [ 205 ]. It also contributed to the still limited knowledge on interventions in smartphone distraction and constitutes a simple, first-step, low key intervention programme, which may be practised by individuals seeking support for attentional difficulties on a self-help basis or within a stepped-care clinical framework for prevention purposes [ 96 ].…”

Effect of the Frustration of Psychological Needs on Addictive Behaviors in Mobile Videogamers—The Mediating Role of Use Expectancies and Time Spent Gaming

“…Specific individual predispositions for using Internet applications act as mediators in the onset of the addiction process [ 40 ], for instance cognitive biases, such as users’ expectancies that certain applications will gratify their current needs and desires. Unlike motives, which are considered relatively stable and imply a tendency to use technology, expectancies are ideas or thoughts about the outcomes of using specific applications or devices, in terms of experiencing pleasure or avoiding negative feelings [ 41 ].…”

“…Both positive expectancies (i.e., to experience pleasure) and avoidance expectancies (i.e., to escape from reality) lead the user to experience gratification and reinforce his or her motivation for using the application. As a result, the individual decides to use the Internet more often, leading to a type of reinforcement circle and resulting in an addictive use [ 40 ]. In the case of IGD, avoidance expectancies mediate the relationship between, on one hand, maladaptive personality traits such as negative affectivity, detachment and psychoticism and, on the other hand, addictive symptoms [ 42 ].…”

“…There do not appear to be sex differences in problematic Internet use, given that both sexes are equally subject to use expectancies [ 40 ]. However, in the non-pathological use of videogames, boys are more motivated to play than girls [ 47 ], especially because of the challenge component that they include [ 48 ].…”