Machine Learning(s) in gaming disorder through the user-avatar bond: A step towards conceptual and methodological clarity.

In response to our study, the commentary by Infanti et al. (2024) raised critical points regarding (i) the conceptualization and utility of the user-avatar bond in addressing gaming disorder (GD) risk, and (ii) the optimization of supervised machine learning techniques applied to assess GD risk. To advance the scientific dialogue and progress in these areas, the present paper aims to: (i) enhance the clarity and understanding of the concepts of the avatar, the user-avatar bond, and the digital phenotype concerning gaming disorder (GD) within the broader field of behavioral addictions, and (ii) comparatively assess how the user-avatar bond (UAB) may predict GD risk, by both removing data augmentation before the data split and by implementing alternative data imbalance treatment approaches in programming.

Proteus effect avatar profiles: Associations with disordered gaming and activity levels.

Gaming avatars can influence users' attitudes and behaviors and manifest as the proteus effect. The present study examined proteus effect profiles among 571 gamers and their associations with disordered gaming and physical activity. Latent class analysis identified three profiles: non-influenced gamers, emotion-perception influenced gamers (highest proteus effect), and emotion-behavior influenced gamers (moderate proteus effect).

Pixels and perception: Mapping the association between digital media and psychotic-like experiences in adolescents.

Introduction: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) during adolescence can lead to psychotic disorders. Digital media usage has been suggested to link to PLEs, but research is limited on how different types of screen exposure may differentially relate to PLEs over time. This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between screen usage patterns and PLEs in adolescents.

Examining how gamers connect with their avatars to assess their anxiety: A novel artificial intelligence approach.

Research has supported that a gamer's attachment to their avatar can offer significant insights about their mental health, including anxiety. To assess this hypothesis, longitudinal data from 565 adult and adolescent participants (M = 29.3 years, SD = 10.

Translating the user-avatar bond into depression risk: A preliminary machine learning study.

Research has shown a link between depression risk and how gamers form relationships with their in-game figure of representation, called avatar. This is reinforced by literature supporting that a gamer's connection to their avatar may provide broader insight into their mental health. Therefore, it has been argued that if properly examined, the bond between a person and their avatar may reveal information about their current or potential struggles with depression offline.

Working memory performance in disordered gambling and gaming: A systematic review.

Background: Converging evidence supports that gaming and gambling disorders are associated with executive dysfunction. The involvement of different components of executive functions (EF) in these forms of behavioural addiction is unclear.

Aim: In a systematic review, we aim to uncover the association between working memory (WM), a crucial component of EF, and disordered gaming and gambling.

Coping and Co-Occurrence of Gaming Disorder and Substance Use in Recovering Substance Users.

Background: There are a wide range of negative effects associated with both substance use disorders and behavioural disorders and their co-occurrence. Understanding the way in which at-risk populations (e.g.

Co-Occurrence of Gaming Disorder and Other Potentially Addictive Behaviours between Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Evidence suggests that gamers can have varying experiences of disordered gaming behaviours due to coping mechanisms and how they can act as risk or protective factor in the development and/or maintenance of disordered behaviours. A particular area of interest is how this may manifest across different countries. Understanding the interplay of these potential risk and protective factors within different countries will aid identifying and preventing disordered behaviours.

The role of internet gaming in the association between anxiety and depression: A preliminary cross-sectional study.

Background: Disordered Internet gaming is thought to be perpetuated by one's need to escape their real-life distress or mental health symptoms, which may in turn generate depressive feelings. Nevertheless, moderate engagement with Internet games has also been suggested to provide relief, thus improving one's mood. This study aspires to clarify the contribution of Internet gaming and gender in the association between anxiety and depression.

Associations between comorbid stress and Internet Gaming Disorder symptoms: Are there cultural and gender variations?

Introduction: The American Psychiatric Association has requested additional studies examine risk, protective, and cultural factors in relation to Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The present study aimed to explore the association between stress as a potential IGD risk effect, the possible exacerbating role of cultural orientation (vertical individualism [VI]), and how this may vary between genders.

Methods: The sample included adult gamers from the USA, UK, and Australia.

Gaming disorder and internet addiction: A systematic review of resting-state EEG studies.

Neurophysiological studies of Gaming Disorder (GD) and internet addiction (IA) are providing important insight into neurocognitive mechanisms underpinning these disorders, which will enable more accurate diagnostic classification. Electroencephalography (EEG) has been widely used to investigate addictive behaviours, and offers advantages of accessibility, low cost, and excellent temporal resolution. The present systematic review evaluates resting-state EEG studies in GD and IA.

Avoidant romantic attachment in adolescence: Gender, excessive internet use and romantic relationship engagement effects.

Romantic development is a distinctive characteristic of puberty. However, a significant proportion of adolescents present with avoidant romantic attachment (ARA) tendencies, which have significant impact on their general adaptation. ARA variations have been suggested in relation to age, gender, engagement with a romantic partner and Excessive Internet Use (EIU) behaviours.