Asia Pac Psychiatry. 2014 May 27. doi: 10.1111/appy.12135.
Ko CH1, Wang PW, Liu TL, Yen CF, Chen CS, Yen JY.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
The aim of the study is to compare the reinforcement sensitivity between online and offline interaction. The effect of gender, Internet addiction, depression, and online gaming on the difference of reinforcement sensitivity between online and offline were also evaluated.
METHODS:
The subjects were 2,258 college students (1,066 men and 1,192 women). They completed the Behavior Inhibition Scale and Behavior Approach Scale (BIS/BAS) according to their experience online or offline. Internet addiction, depression, and Internet activity type were evaluated simultaneously.
RESULTS:
The results showed that reinforcement sensitivity was lower when interacting online than when interacting offline. College students with Internet addiction decrease fewer score on BIS and BAS after getting online than did others. The higher reward and aversion sensitivity are associated with the risk of Internet addiction.
DISCUSSION:
The fun seeking online might contribute to the maintenance of Internet addiction. This suggests that reinforcement sensitivity would change after getting online and would contribute to the risk and maintenance of Internet addiction.
© 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.
KEYWORDS:
BAS; BIS; Internet addiction; online gaming; reinforcement sensitivity
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