Two-dimensional taxonomy of internet addiction and assessment of smartphone addiction with diagnostic criteria and mobile apps

J Behav Addict. 2021 Jan 6;9(4):928-933. doi: 10.1556/2006.2020.00074.

Abstract

A recent review by Montag et al. raised a taxonomical argument about internet addiction. We propose a two-dimensional taxonomy of internet addiction by both the device and the content as the solution. For the assessment of smartphone addiction, measurements should be based on functional impairment and validated by diagnostic criteria rather than solely on self-reported questionnaires. We detail the potential of mobile applications (apps) to improve the assessment of smartphone addiction. App-generated indicators could fulfill the unmet need of assessment of smartphone addiction and facilitate future assessment and treatment planning of smartphone addiction.

MeSH terms

  • Classification / methods*
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Humans
  • Internet Addiction Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Internet Use*
  • Mobile Applications
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Self Report / standards