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Montag C, Becker B. Neuroimaging the effects of smartphone (over-)use on brain function and structure-a review on the current state of MRI-based findings and a roadmap for future research. PSYCHORADIOLOGY 2023; 3:kkad001. [PMID: 38666109 PMCID: PMC10917376 DOI: 10.1093/psyrad/kkad001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The smartphone represents a transformative device that dramatically changed our daily lives, including how we communicate, work, entertain ourselves, and navigate through unknown territory. Given its ubiquitous availability and impact on nearly every aspect of our lives, debates on the potential impact of smartphone (over-)use on the brain and whether smartphone use can be "addictive" have increased over the last years. Several studies have used magnetic resonance imaging to characterize associations between individual differences in excessive smartphone use and variations in brain structure or function. Therefore, it is an opportune time to summarize and critically reflect on the available studies. Following this overview, we present a roadmap for future research to improve our understanding of how excessive smartphone use can affect the brain, mental health, and cognitive and affective functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm 89081, Germany
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
- Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology, Chengdu 611731, China
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Lin HM, Chang YT, Chen MH, Liu ST, Chen BS, Li L, Lee CY, Sue YR, Sung TM, Sun CK, Yeh PY. Structural and Functional Neural Correlates in Individuals with Excessive Smartphone Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16277. [PMID: 36498362 PMCID: PMC9739413 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite known association of internet addiction with a reduced brain volume and abnormal connectivity, the impact of excessive smartphone use remains unclear. Methods: PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrial.gov, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception to July 2022 using appropriate keywords for observational studies comparing differences in brain volumes and activations between excessive smartphone users and individuals with regular use by magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Of the 11 eligible studies retrieved from 6993 articles initially screened, seven and six evaluated brain volumes and activations, respectively. The former enrolled 421 participants (165 excessive smartphone users vs. 256 controls), while the latter recruited 276 subjects with 139 excessive smartphone users. The results demonstrated a smaller brain volume in excessive smartphone users compared to the controls (g = −0.55, p < 0.001), especially in subcortical regions (p < 0.001). Besides, the impact was more pronounced in adolescents than in adults (p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant positive association between impulsivity and volume reduction. Regarding altered activations, the convergences of foci in the declive of the posterior lobe of cerebellum, the lingual gyrus, and the middle frontal gyrus were noted. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated a potential association of excessive smartphone use with a reduced brain volume and altered activations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiu-Man Lin
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tzu Chang
- School of Post Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83300, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Tsen Liu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, China Medical University Children’s Hospital, Taichung 404327, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Shen Chen
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yu Lee
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ru Sue
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Mei Sung
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
| | - Cheuk-Kwan Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824005, Taiwan
- School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yang Yeh
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Clinical Psychology Center, Asia University Hospital, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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