| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The International Encyclopedia of Media Effects |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118783764 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781118784044 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 8 Mar 2017 |
Abstract
This entry discusses the origins, theoretical traditions, and methodological development of the field of media addiction in the past two decades. Specifically, the theoretical underpinnings, definitions, symptoms, and assessments of media addiction are reviewed, and its critical overlap with the research on chemical-based addiction is addressed. On the basis of this conceptual review, a content analysis of the latest developments in four of the most frequently researched media addiction themes in recent years is presented: Internet addiction, online game addiction, smartphone addiction, and cybersex addiction. This review and its results then serve to inform conclusions about the significance and relevance of media addiction and its context-specific contingencies and to suggest several fruitful directions for future research.