title: A critical review of "Internet addiction" criteria with suggestions for the future.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the last 5 years a deluge of articles on the topic of Internet addiction (IA) has proposed many candidate symptoms as evidence of this proposed disease. We critically reviewed the current approach to the measurement and identification of this new excessive behavior syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three popular models of IA were discussed: Griffith’s components model; Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT); and the criteria by Tao et al. (2010). We selected these models because they are widely cited and propose specific criteria for IA disorder. Our approach is not meant to provide an exhaustive review, but to discuss and critique the most salient trends in the field.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The models of Internet addiction share some criteria, including feeling a loss of control over Internet use; ensuing psychological, social, or professional conflict or problems; and preoccupation when not using the Internet. Other criteria inconsistently mentioned include: mood management, tolerance, withdrawal, and craving/anticipation. The models studied here share the assumption that the Internet can produce a qualitative shift to a diseased state in humans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We critically discussed the above criteria and concluded that the evidence base is currently not strong enough to provide support for an Internet addiction disorder. Future research areas are suggested: (1) Focusing on common impaired dimensions, (2) exploring neuroimaging as a model building tool, and (3) identifying shifts in the rewarding aspects of Internet use. Given the lack of consensus on the subject of Internet addiction, a focus on problem behaviors appears warranted.
authors.affiliation: IVO Addiction Research Institute Heemraadssingel 194 3021 DM Rotterdam The Netherlands Erasmus MC, The Netherlands P.O. Box 2040 3000 CA Rotterdam The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Antonius J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Van Rooij
authors.affiliation: University of California Department of Psychiatry Los Angeles USA.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Prause
mesh_terms: D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet
keywords: DSM-5; Internet addiction; Internet use disorder; addictive disorders; behavioral addiction; diagnostic criteria