Introduction
Computer addiction, also known as problematic computer use or internet addiction, refers to maladaptive preoccupations, urges or behaviors regarding computer use and internet access that negatively impact daily life and function. While not universally recognized as a diagnosis, computer addiction has become an area of concern and interest within research communities investigating behavioral addictions and internet-related disorders. This paper will explore what is currently known about computer addiction based on contemporary empirical research, providing context on defining features and characteristics, prevalence and impacts, common behaviors and activities associated with addiction, underlying neurological and psychological factors, similarities and contrasts to other addictive disorders, as well as assessments and treatment approaches that have been studied.
Defining Computer Addiction
While there is no universally agreed upon definition of computer addiction, common criteria used to characterize problematic computer use include inability to control computer/internet use, prioritizing computer activities over other obligations and interpersonal relationships, continuing computer use despite negative consequences, withdrawal symptoms when taken away from computers, using computers/internet as a way to modify mood, and lying to others regarding computer use amount or activities engaged in online (Young, 1996; 2011). Patterns of preoccupation, mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict and relinquishing other important activities are consistent with diagnostic criteria used to define substance and behavioral addictions (Griffiths, 2000).
Many researchers liken computer addiction to impulse control disorders due to its association with lack of self-regulation and inability to refrain from computer/internet behaviors despite adverse sequelae (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Davis, 2001). Others argue for its conceptualization as a process addiction, relating it most closely to gambling disorder due its strong reinforcement properties from variable ratio schedules of reinforcement common to many internet activities such as gaming, social media and online shopping (Grant et al., 2010). Regardless of specific categorization, most definitions of computer addiction center around pathological engagement with computers as an addiction rather than a hobby, characterized by impaired control, escalation and continuation despite harm.
Prevalence and Impacts of Computer Addiction
Recent epidemiological studies have found computer addiction rates ranging from 1-8% of populations depending on assessment instruments used (Ko et al., 2009; Cao et al., 2011). Higher rates are typically seen in Asia compared to Western nations. Rates tend to be higher among younger age groups, males, and individuals spending more time online engaged in interactive or immersive activities such as gaming, social networking or surfing pornography (Kuss & Griffiths, 2011; Peng et al., 2014).
Problematic computer use and internet addiction have significant impacts on individual functioning and overall well-being (Durkee et al., 2012). Common consequences of computer/internet overuse reported in clinical and research samples include academic/occupational impairment, social/interpersonal problems, physical health issues from sedentary behaviors, disrupted sleep, financial difficulties, legal problems, depression and anxiety (Ni et al., 2009; Kim et al., 2016). Preliminary neuroimaging studies have found computer/internet addicts demonstrate changes in brain regions implicated in reward processing, decision making and cognitive control (Dong et al., 2013).
Behaviors Associated with Computer Addiction
Certain computer-related activities appear to correlate more strongly with symptoms of addiction, including online/immersive gaming, pornography use, online gambling, online shopping and social networking (Wölfling et al., 2011; Kircaburun & Griffiths, 2018). Gaming disorder in particular has garnered increased attention from researchers investigating the interactive and reinforcing aspects of gaming that may foster addictive behaviors in susceptible individuals (APA, 2013; Petry et al., 2014). Beyond specific activities, behaviors commonly observed in computer addicts include:
Excessive time spent on computers/internet daily, often in isolation.
Continued internet use despite interference, often late into night.
Lying about computer use amounts or hiding computer-related expenses.
Mood modification – using computers/internet to escape or relieve unpleasant emotions.
Conflicts arising due to neglect of duties, relationships, health due to overuse.
Tolerance – needing increased amounts of time to feel satisfied.
Withdrawal – irritability, anxiety or depression when unable to access computers.
Unsuccessful attempts to reduce computer/internet time usage.
Underlying Factors in Computer Addiction
As with any addiction, individual psychological/biological vulnerability interacts strongly with environmental reinforcement contingencies to promote addictive patterns of behavior (Goldberg, 1995). Theoretical models of computer addiction point to the perfect storm of neurobiological and psychopathological risk factors converging with the highly reinforcing properties of the internet and certain computer activities among vulnerable individuals (Brand et al., 2014; Griffiths, 2010).
Key underlying factors that may contribute to development and maintenance of computer addiction include:
Impulsivity/poor self-regulation – Individuals with difficulties moderating behaviors and delaying gratification are more likely to get caught in cycles of compulsive and uncontrollable computer use (LaRose et al., 2001).
Loneliness/social anxieties – For some, socializing online becomes an alternative to real-world relationships that are anxiety-provoking (Caplan, 2003).
Depression/low self-esteem – Computer/internet use provides a rewarding escape from negative moods and sense of belonging or competence (Kim et al., 2006).
Gaming motivations – Achievement/mastery drives combined with social aspects strengthen conditioned associations between gaming behaviors and positive reinforcement (Porter et al., 2010).
Conditioning history – Internet activities are highly reinforcing due to variable ratio schedules of positive feedback that strengthen addictive patterns over time (Griffiths, 2010).
Dopamine dysfunction – Dysregulation in brain dopamine circuitry may underlie both impaired impulse control and heightened sensitivity to rewards associated with addictive behaviors and substance use disorders (Ko et al., 2009).
Genetic influences – Family and twin studies indicate modest heritable components in risk for addiction and novelty/sensation-seeking behaviors correlate with computer addiction proneness (Iivonen et al, 2020).
Assessments and Treatment Approaches
Given the multifaceted nature of computer addiction, comprehensive assessment involves evaluation across multiple domains. Clinician-rated and self-report measures commonly used to assess degree of problematic computer use and potential diagnostic criteria include:
Internet Addiction Test (IAT)
Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS)
Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ)
Game Addiction Scale (GAS)
Treatment approaches that have shown promise for computer addiction tend to incorporate elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, family systems interventions, contingency management and pharmacotherapy depending on individual symptom profiles and comorbidities. Addressing underlying dysfunctional thought patterns, improving impulse control skills, modifying conditioning histories through exposure/response prevention, mending interpersonal relationships and developing alternative reinforcing activities are key treatment targets (Han et al., 2010; Young, 2011). Due to inherent reinforcement properties of computers/internet themselves, total abstinence is often an unrealistic goal and harm-reduction focused approaches emphasizing moderation may be more pragmatic and effective long-term. Future directions involve better understanding etiological processes to inform prevention and interventions tailored towards an individual’s vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
While empirical understanding is still evolving, computer addiction represents a significant public health issue given the pervasiveness of technology in modern society. Vulnerable individuals become caught in addictive cycles through the interplay of biological predispositions, psychological motivations and environmental contingencies reinforcing computer/internet behaviors. Assessment and treatment requires comprehensively addressing the multidimensional factors maintaining problematic computer engagement across biological, psychological and social domains. As technology continues advancing rapidly, further research is still greatly needed to fully elucidate etiology and most effective treatments.
Andrew Stroud