Mechanismen problematischer Smartphone-Nutzung

Zusammenfassung

Gegenstand und Ziel Problematische Smartphone-Nutzung (PSU) wird zunehmend als Verhaltensstörung mit Merkmalen abhängigen Verhaltens diskutiert. Diese Übersichtsarbeit möchte die aktuelle multimodal bildgebende Befundlage zu PSU systematisch aufarbeiten und integrativ interpretieren. Im Zentrum steht die Frage, wie exekutive Dysregulation, Belohnungsverarbeitung und soziale Signalverarbeitung interagieren und zur Aufrechterhaltung dysfunktionaler Nutzungsmuster beitragen können. Ergänzend wird eine sozial-kognitive Perspektive für PSU skizziert.

Material und Methoden Es erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche zu multimodalem (strukturellem und funktionellem) Neuroimaging bei PSU. Die Befunde wurden integriert in das I-PACE-Modell (Interaction of Person–Affect–Cognition–Execution) internetbezogener Störungen.

Ergebnisse Die Bildgebungsdaten zeigen konsistente Auffälligkeiten in frontostriatalen und frontolimbischen Netzwerken, die mit reduzierter exekutiver Kontrolle, erhöhter Reizreaktivität und veränderter Gehirnaktivität auf sozial konnotierte Reize einhergehen. Insbesondere bei Verarbeitung Smartphone-bezogener Belohnungssignale zeigen sich Überlappungen mit neuronalen Mustern sozialer Ausgrenzungsverarbeitung. Sozial-kognitive Verzerrungen mit verstärkenden Folgen für die Nutzungsmotivation könnten eine bedeutsame Komponente bei der Entstehung von PSU sein.

Schlussfolgerung/klinische Relevanz PSU kann als multifaktorielles, dynamisches Zusammenspiel neurobiologischer Disposition, affektiver Reaktivität, kognitiver Verzerrungen und exekutiver Kontrolldefizite verstanden werden. Person- und situationsspezifische Faktoren wirken dabei wechselseitig verstärkend und führen im Kontext repetitiver digitaler Nutzung zur Etablierung automatisierter, schwer kontrollierbarer Verhaltensroutinen. Soziale Verstärkungsprozesse entfalten innerhalb dieser Dynamik eine möglicherweise zentrale Bedeutung für die Entwicklung und Aufrechterhaltung der PSU. Ein sozial-kognitives Modell der PSU könnte damit auch neue Perspektiven für Prävention und Therapie fördern.

Abstract

Aims Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is increasingly discussed as a behavioral disorder characterized by addictive features. This review aims to systematically synthesize and interpret current findings from multimodal neuroimaging studies on PSU. Central to this analysis is the question of how executive dysregulation, reward processing, and cue reactivity interact and contribute to the maintenance of dysfunctional smartphone use patterns. Additionally, a social-cognitive framework for PSU is proposed.

Materials and Methods A structured literature search was conducted focusing on structural and functional neuroimaging studies in PSU. Main findings were embedded within the framework of the I-PACE (Interaction of Person–Affect–Cognition–Execution) model.

Results Imaging data reveal consistent abnormalities in frontostriatal and frontolimbic networks, associated with reduced executive control, increased cue-reactivity, and altered neural responses to socially salient stimuli. Processing of smartphone-related reward cues shows notable overlap with brain activation patterns linked to social cognitive processes. Social-cognitive distortions that reinforce motivational salience may represent a key component in the development of PSU.

Conclusion PSU can be understood as the outcome of a multifactorial and dynamic interaction between neurobiological predisposition, affective reactivity, cognitive bias, and deficits in executive control. Both individual and context-specific factors mutually amplify each other, fostering the formation of automatic behavioral routines in the context of repetitive digital engagement. Within this dynamics, socially mediated reinforcement may play a central role in the development and persistence of PSU. A social-cognitive model of PSU could therefore offer valuable new directions for both prevention and treatment.

Schlüsselwörter

Suchtverhalten - soziale Kognition - Spielstörung - Verhaltensstörung

Keywords

problematic use - addiction - gaming disorder - social cognition

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
07. November 2025

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