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Internet Addiction pp 125–140Cite as

Quantitative Behavior Genetics of Internet Addiction

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Abstract

It is now well established that all human traits are influenced both by genes and the environment. This suggests that most relationships, such as the relationship between personality and Internet addiction, may be due in part to genetic influences. To reach a more complete understanding of the risk factors associated with the initiation and maintenance of Internet addiction, the dynamic interplay of genes and environment over the life course must be investigated to allow for the identification of potential developmental changes linked to genetic vulnerabilities and resilience. In this chapter, we highlight behavior genetic research approaches and findings with respect to Internet addiction (In line with the editors of this book, we use the term Internet addiction as an umbrella term encompassing different conceptualizations and understandings of the phenomenon of problematic Internet use.) and related constructs. We will outline how genetically informative data can provide new and promising insights into the understanding of underlying sources of individual differences in Internet addiction. Future research questions will also be discussed.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The formula is derived from the respective formulae for the correlations of MZ twins (r MZ = V G + V C) and DZ twins (r DZ = ½ V G + V C). Subtracting the second equation from the first gives h 2 = 2*(rMZ – rDZ).

  2. 2.

    Mendelian randomization is the term applied to the random assortment of alleles at the time of gamete formation.

  3. 3.

    Endophenotypes are biological or psychological features that mediate the link between genes and complex behaviors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Campus, 66041, Saarbruecken, Germany

    Elisabeth Hahn & Frank M. Spinath

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  1. Elisabeth Hahn
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  2. Frank M. Spinath
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Correspondence to Elisabeth Hahn .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Psychology and Education, Molecular Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany

    Christian Montag

  2. Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany

    Martin Reuter

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Hahn, E., Spinath, F.M. (2017). Quantitative Behavior Genetics of Internet Addiction. In: Montag, C., Reuter, M. (eds) Internet Addiction. Studies in Neuroscience, Psychology and Behavioral Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46276-9_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46276-9_8

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