Cue-induced craving for Internet among Internet addicts. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Niu, Geng-Feng; Sun, Xiao-Jun; Subrahmanyam, Kaveri; Kong, Fan-Chang; Tian, Yuan; Zhou, Zong-Kui
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 62(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 5
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Internet addiction -- Cue-induced craving -- Incentive sensitization model; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.06.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Intense craving is a core feature of addictive disorder, and cue-induced craving is believed to be a key factor in the maintenance and relapse of addictive behaviors. With the rapid development of the Internet, Internet addiction has become a widespread behavioral problem accompanied by many negative effects. This study used the cue-reactivity paradigm to examine cue-induced craving for the Internet among Internet addicts and non-addicts. Participants were exposed to Internet-related words, and asked to report their craving for the Internet. Results indicated that Internet-related words aroused cue-induced craving for the Internet among both Internet addicts and non-addicts; however, the craving was more intense among Internet addicts. These results suggest that craving may not be a unipolar, all or none state found only in addicts, but may also be present among non-addicts. They indicate that Internet-related words may be able to induce craving for the Internet, and that Internet addiction and other addictions may share similar underlying mechanisms. This finding has important implications for designing interventions for Internet addiction. Highlights: The cue-reactivity paradigm was used to examine cue-induced craving for the Internet among Internet addicts and non-addicts. Internet-related words were used as stimuli to induce craving for the Internet. Internet-related words aroused all participants'cue-induced craving, with Internet addicts reporting more intense craving.