Decision Making and Risk Propensity in Individuals with Tendencies towards Specific Internet-Use Disorders.
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2021
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Brain Sciences
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Abstract
The uncontrolled use of specific Internet applications is increasingly recognized as a mental
health issue. Gaming disorder, which is one subtype of specific Internet-use disorders (sIUDs), has
been included in the ICD-11 as disorder due to addictive behaviors. Addictive disorders are assumed
to be accompanied by cognitive deficits as indicated by weaker performance in executive function
and risky decision-making tasks. This study investigates risky decision-making in individuals
with tendencies towards sIUDs including gaming, online buying-shopping, and social-networksuse
disorders. A total of 293 individuals participated in the study. Based on specific screening
instruments, the participants were assigned to a group with tendencies towards sIUD or a control
group. Participants completed a risky decision-making task and questionnaires assessing risk-taking
propensity, impulsivity, psychopathology, and perceived stress. The group with sIUD tendencies
showed higher attentional impulsivity and higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to the
control group. The groups did not differ in decision making and risk propensity. Decision making
did not have significant effects on sIUD symptoms. Risk for developing sIUDs does not appear to be
accompanied by altered general decision-making tendencies. Rather, psychological (pre-)load and
attentional deficits appear to be relevant features in uncontrolled use of the Internet.
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Keywords
Internet addiction, Gaming disorder, Decision making, Cognitive functions, Impulsivity