Developmental and family considerations in internet use disorder taxonomy. Commentary on: How to overcome taxonomical problems in the study of Internet use disorders and what to do with “smartphone addiction”? (Montag et al., 2020)

Abstract

Montag, Wegmann, Sariyska, Demetrovics, and Brand (2019) propose an important framework surrounding the taxonomy of problematic internet usage, with particular applications to disentangling the role of mobile and other handheld devices versus stationary platforms. This is a critical contribution, as organizational frameworks have begun to move past “whether” there is disordered internet use, and towards better understanding the complex and multifaceted ways in which internet usage can be related to psychological maladjustment. In the present commentary, we encourage authors to extend this framework by incorporating developmental complexities. Montag and colleagues' (2019) contribution is discussed with reference to children and families, including: (1) the conceptualization of problematic internet usage and associated behaviors across the early years, (2) the types of internet use and devices that are most salient for young users, (3) the embedding of children's internet consumption within the context of a broader pattern of family media usage, and (4) the construct of behavioral addictions in pediatric populations. Recommendations for science and practice are briefly discussed.