Abstract
A common brain-related feature of addictions is the altered function of higher-order brain networks. Growing evidence suggests that Internet-related addictions are also associated with breakdown of functional brain networks. Taking into consideration the limited number of studies used in previous studies in Internet addiction (IA), our aim was to investigate the functional correlates of IA in the default mode network (DMN) and in the inhibitory control network (ICN). To observe these relationships, task-related fMRI responses to verbal Stroop and non-verbal Stroop-like tasks were measured in 60 healthy university students. The Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) was used to assess IA. We found significant deactivations in areas related to the DMN (precuneus, posterior cingulate gyrus) and these areas were negatively correlated with PIUQ during incongruent stimuli. In Stroop task the incongruent_minus_congruent contrast showed positive correlation with PIUQ in areas related to the ICN (left inferior frontal gyrus, left frontal pole, left central opercular, left frontal opercular, left frontal orbital and left insular cortex). Altered DMN might explain some comorbid symptoms and might predict treatment outcomes, while altered ICN may be the reason for having difficulties in stopping and controlling overuse.
Highlights
Internet – along with new technologies – has improved many aspects of our lives and it is essential part of the everyday routine, including professional and social functioning
Incongruent stimuli induced blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal changes were found to be negatively correlated with Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire (PIUQ) in bilateral precuneus and posterior cingulate gyri (PCG) during Stroop task and bilateral precuneus, during Stroop-like task
Previous studies investigating Internet addiction and Internet gaming disorder (IGD) found alterations in the default-mode network (DMN). These studies revealed the involvement of the anterior part of the network and used merely resting-state functional MRI (fMRI)
Summary
Internet – along with new technologies – has improved many aspects of our lives and it is essential part of the everyday routine, including professional and social functioning. IA shares several aspects of substance addiction, such as obsessive thinking about the www.nature.com/scientificreports substance/Internet (daydreaming, rumination, and fantasizing), neglecting everyday activities, social life and essential needs and difficulties in controlling the use[5,13] Another common brain-related feature of substance and behavioral addictions is the altered function of higher-order brain networks. To our knowledge the only study focusing on DMN in adult Internet addicts was conducted by Li and colleagues[28] They assessed grey matter volumetry and functional connectivity to investigate brain alterations in healthy young adults with an IA tendency. They found altered relationship between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (as key node of the cognitive control network) and the anterior cingulate/prefrontal cortices (as key nodes of the DMN). The inferior frontal and medial frontal gyri, the opercular, insular, orbital posterior cingulate and posterior parietal cortices are involved in the ICN
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
