Problematic media use: Comparisons by media type and with other addictive behavior and substance use domains.

Abstract

While many hesitate to classify problematic media use as a behavioral addictive disorder, it remains clear that there are overlaps in antecedents and consequents. However, there is still a great deal unknown about individual difference factors for developing problematic behaviors. Nor is there a comprehensive understanding of how the relationships between problematic uses of media and other problematic addictive behaviors and substance use comparatively influence health and well-being outcomes. It is also unclear the extent to which domains of problematic addictive disorders may relate to one another-are the media domains distinct from the other domains, or do they fit together into a more general addictive behavior dimension? The present study surveyed 1,227 U.S. adults, assessing their addictive behaviors across a variety of domains, individual differences, and health and well-being. Findings suggest that media domains are in many cases similarly, and sometimes even more strongly, associated with negative health and well-being measures compared even to problematic substance use. In addition, cluster analysis finds that media domains do not separate from other domains of addiction, but instead there are two clusters with a mix of domain types. Additionally, only age and impulsivity were individual variables associated with both domain clusters, which were associated with worse mental health, lower life satisfaction, lower sleep quality, and less healthy dietary behavior.