A systematic review of metacognitions in Internet Gaming Disorder and problematic Internet, smartphone and social networking sites use

The use of new technologies is growing, and some authors have suggested that frequent use might hide a non-chemical addiction (i.e., technological addiction). Over the last five years several studies investigating the role of metacognitions in technological addictions have been published. We aim to provide the first systematic review focused on this topic, by updating the initial evidence highlighted by a previous systematic review on metacognitions across addictive behaviors (Hamonniere & Varescon, 2018). Electronic literature databases (Pubmed, PsychINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies that examined the relationship between metacognitions and four different technological addictions (Internet Gaming Disorder, IGD; problematic Internet use, PIU; problematic smartphone use, PSU; and problematic social networking sites use, PSNSU). We found 13 empirical studies published between 2018 and 2021. Positive low-to-moderate cross-sectional associations between the four technological addictions and both generic and specific metacognitions were found, in accordance with the metacognitive model of addictive behaviors. Positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, and a lack of cognitive confidence were associated with IGD, PIU, PSU, and PSNSU. The absence of longitudinal studies prevent us from providing definitive answers about the role of metacognitions in technological addictions. Despite this limitation, interventions that target metacognitions could be beneficial for people presenting with technological addictions. [Abstract copyright: This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.]