A critical review of “Internet addiction” criteria with suggestions for the future

Abstract

Aims: In the last 5 years a deluge of articles on the topic of Internet addiction (IA) has proposed many candidate symptoms as evidence of this proposed disease. We critically reviewed the current approach to the measurement and identification of this new excessive behavior syndrome. Methods: Three popular models of IA were discussed: Griffith’s components model; Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT); and the criteria by Tao et al. (2010). We selected these models because they are widely cited and propose specific criteria for IA disorder. Our approach is not meant to provide an exhaustive review, but to discuss and critique the most salient trends in the field. Results: The models of Internet addiction share some criteria, including feeling a loss of control over Internet use; ensuing psychological, social, or professional conflict or problems; and preoccupation when not using the Internet. Other criteria inconsistently mentioned include: mood management, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving/anticipation. The models studied here share the assumption that the Internet can produce a qualitative shift to a diseased state in humans. Conclusions: We critically discussed the above criteria and concluded that the evidence base is currently not strong enough to provide support for an Internet addiction disorder. Future research areas are suggested: (1) Focusing on common impaired dimensions, (2) exploring neuroimaging as a model building tool, and (3) identifying shifts in the rewarding aspects of Internet use. Given the lack of consensus on the subject of Internet addiction, a focus on problem behaviors appears warranted.

Reliability and construct validity of the Online Cognition Scale in the Portuguese (Brazil) version (OCS-BR)

“…A possible explanation for the OCS elevated explained variance for the variable impulse control decreasedifferently from what was found by Van Rooij and Prause 28 and Widyanto et al 29 -is the theoretical model behind the instrument. The OCS is the operationalization of the cognitive behavioral theory for the PIU, a specific theory and that considers the psychopathological processes as causes which induce the issue that are necessary for the occurrence and maintenance of the excessive internet use 12 .…”

Validation of the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10) and evaluation of the nine DSM-5 Internet Gaming Disorder criteria

“…The inclusion of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) in Section 3 of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), led to an upsurge of new psychometric tools designed to assess problematic gaming according to the nine DSM-5 IGD criteria (e.g., Lemmens, Valkenburg, & Gentile, 2015;Pontes, Király, Demetrovics, & Griffiths, 2014;Rehbein, Kliem, Baier, Mößle, & Petry, 2015). Additionally, the concept of IGD has stirred debate among scholars in terms of the validity of each nine IGD criteria and how to better operationally define such criteria in light of knowledge on problematic gaming accumulated over three decades (Griffiths, van Rooij, et al, 2015;van Rooij & Prause, 2014).…”

Excessive internet use in the general and ultra-orthodox Jewish communities: Internet addiction or a medium to fuel other addictions?

“…Models of internet addiction share some criteria, including feeling a loss of control over internet use; ensuing psychological, social, or professional conflict or problems; and preoccupation when not using the internet. There is however a consensus that the overuse of the internet can produce a qualitative shift to a diseased state in humans however the current evidence base is not strong enough to provide support for an internet addiction disorder [7].…”

“…Consequently, substance abuse disorders are characterized by several physically oriented criteria such as tolerance and withdrawal which are criteria not usually present in behavioral addictions. Thus, there is serious debate regarding the similarity of criteria for behavioral and substance addictions and whether the physical criteria of tolerance and withdrawal are applicable to behavior addictions [7].…”

“…However, the phenomenon of "internet addiction" as a psychological disorder continues to be debated and researched in the psychiatric community [7]. Models of internet addiction share some criteria, including feeling a loss of control over internet use; ensuing psychological, social, or professional conflict or problems; and preoccupation when not using the internet.…”