Linking mental health and digital addiction in general population: an overview of thematic evolution and trends from a science mapping perspective - Report - MDSpire

Linking mental health and digital addiction in general population: an overview of thematic evolution and trends from a science mapping perspective

  • By

  • Turgut Karaköse

  • Mehmet Ozdogru

  • Bünyamin Han

  • Tijen Tülübaş

  • Abdurrahman Kardas

  • Murat Demirkol

  • Hakan Polat

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Examining the Relationship Between Mental Health and Digital Addiction

Overview

This report reviews the relationship between digital addiction and mental health, highlighting significant correlations with anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. The study employs bibliometric science mapping to analyze trends and themes in this multidisciplinary field.

Background

Digital addiction has emerged as a public health concern, characterized by excessive use of digital technologies such as the internet and social media. This problematic behavior is linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, making it crucial for healthcare professionals to understand its implications. The rapid evolution of digital technologies necessitates ongoing research to address the mental health consequences of digital addiction.

Data Highlights

Study AspectFindings
Number of Articles Analyzed863
Main Focus AreasAnxiety, Sleep Quality, Depression

Key Findings

  • Digital addiction is linked to significant mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
  • Research themes have evolved to focus on addictive behaviors related to internet, social media, and smartphone use.
  • Digital addiction is characterized by behavioral symptoms similar to those of traditional addictions.
  • Emerging research fronts indicate underexplored populations and neglected mental health outcomes.
  • Digital addiction should be viewed as a multidimensional concept with various subtypes.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the mental health risks associated with digital addiction, particularly in relation to anxiety and depression. Screening for digital addiction behaviors may be beneficial in clinical settings to identify at-risk individuals and provide appropriate interventions.

Conclusion

Understanding the relationship between digital addiction and mental health is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. Continued research in this area will help address the growing public health challenge posed by digital addiction.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, Springer, 2026 -- Exploring the Links Between Attachment Anxiety, Attachment Avoidance, Mentalization Skills, and Digital Addictions: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of University Students
  2. npj Digital Medicine, 2026 -- Assessing Youth Mental Health Needs Through an Adaptive Digital Tool: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Analysis
  3. Frontiers in Digital Health, 2026 -- Mental Health Outcomes and Use of Online Mental Health Tools Following a Public Health Deployment of the Mindfulness Meditation App Headspace
  4. npj Digital Medicine, 2025 -- A Global meta-analysis of digital divide in psychiatric population from 2004 to 2023
  5. Gaming disorder, WHO -- Gaming disorder
  6. Social Media Use and Internalizing Symptoms in Clinical and Community Adolescent Samples: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network, 2024
  7. Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well-being - PMC
  8. Gaming disorder
  9. Social Media Use and Internalizing Symptoms in Clinical and Community Adolescent Samples: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
  10. Blocking mobile internet on smartphones improves sustained attention, mental health, and subjective well-being - PMC

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