Luzmy C. Paredes – luzmy.camilaparedes@gmail.com
July 15th, 2025
Edited by the YNPS Publications Team.
—Abstract
This article investigates the differing manifestations of Internet Addiction (IAD) in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to the general population, synthesizing findings from 26 studies published between 2014 and 2025, with a meta-synthesis approach. A key finding was that individuals with ADHD generally exhibit higher rates of internet usage and a greater propensity for developing IAD, with ADHD symptoms serving as an independent risk factor. Analysis of age groups reveals that children and adolescents with ADHD experience more significant behavioral and emotional dysregulation associated with IAD. This often engages with immediate-reward platforms due to executive function deficits. The demographic also faces heightened risks of sleep disturbances and internalizing symptoms linked to excessive screen time. Inattention, emotional dysregulation, and comorbidities have been identified as central mediators of IAD.
Regarding gender differences, males with ADHD are more inclined towards Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), driven by motives such as escapism and competition, while females, particularly those with inattentive symptoms, tend towards Social Media Addiction (SMA) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSPU). Specific ADHD symptom profiles, rather than gender alone, may influence the type of IAD experienced, with co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression further intensifying these issues. The relationship between ADHD and IAD is frequently bidirectional, creating a cyclical pattern where each condition can exacerbate the other. Future research should explore cultural variations, gender factors, and generational-specific digital literacy programs and therapies to better understand and address these complex interactions.
—Introduction
In modern times, internet usage has become part of our daily lives, reshaping our behavior, the way we communicate, how we access information and spend leisure time, and in some environments, even how we work or study. The pervasive integration of digital media into our lives presents a complex landscape of opportunities and challenges, and while these
technologies offer avenues for entertainment, creativity and participation (Subrahmanyam & Šmahel, 2011; Omar et al., 2014), concerns persist regarding their potential negative influences, particularly concerning neurological, psychological and behavioral outcomes. (Karakaş-Çelik et al., 2016).
Excessive use of the internet, also called Internet Addiction (IAD), is associated with negative mental health outcomes. While most people adapt seamlessly (Tomczyk & Solecki, 2019; Wu et al., 2015), emerging scientific evidence suggests a significant impact of frequent digital technology on brain function and behavior, with potential issues such as hindered brain development, disturbed sleep patterns, reduced emotional and social intelligence, attention-deficit symptoms, and internet addiction (Small et al., 2022; Karakaş-Çelik et al., 2016). It can cause functional impairment and potentially lead to neglect in other areas of life (Augner et al., 2023). While Internet Addiction (IAD) is not formally classified as a disorder in the DSM-V nor on the ICD-11 and therefore there isn’t one specific definition that is universally accepted, it has become a topic of scientific scrutiny due to an excessive, uncontrolled use of the internet that interferes with daily functioning appearing in some individuals. This presents withdrawal symptoms when trying to overcome it, plus an increase in social isolation, which is similar to other substance abuse disorders (Trigo, 2021). Internet Addiction involves general activities on the internet that vary depending on the user and can be more specific, such as Internet Gaming Addiction (IGD), information seeking, Social
Media addiction (SMA), online shopping addiction, among others. (Hawi & Samaha, 2019; Varchetta et al., 2024).
Research has shown that while both males and females can become addicted to technology, males and females may use different online activities (Varchetta et al., 2024; Liu et al., 2023). Males are more inclined to participate in online video gaming, cyber-pornography, and internet gambling, whereas females are more prone to compulsive social media use, PSPU, and online shopping, with risk factors being younger age, single relationship status, and loneliness for both genders (Varchetta et al., 2024; Schou Andreassen et al., 2016; Mozafar Saadati et al., 2021; Wu et al., 2015; Machimbarrena et al., 2019).
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by issues with executive functioning skills, inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity symptoms (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). While some research has explored the relationship between IAD and ADHD-related behaviors, the findings have been inconsistent, leaving open questions about the nature and conditions of this association and its presentation in comparison to the general population (Nikkelen et al., 2014). This ambiguity underscores the need to investigate whether internet addiction presents differently in individuals with ADHD compared to the general population, considering the unique characteristics of ADHD that might influence technology engagement and the potential for IAD (Arrizabalaga-Crespo, 2010). This exploration is crucial for understanding the nuanced ways in which digital worlds interact with adolescent development and well-being.
The following article investigates whether IAD manifests differently in individuals with ADHD compared to the general population, with particular focus on different age groups (children and teenagers, adults), gender-based differences, frequency, and the relationship of IAD with ADHD symptoms.
—Literature review
In examining the existing body of research on IAD in ADHD individuals, two primary lines of inquiry emerge: those more centered on gender differences and those focused on age-related variations. Gender-focused studies explored how societal norms, roles, and biological differences shape IAD among males and females, either within ADHD or in comparison with the general population. In contrast, age group studies investigated how developmental stages and generational contexts impact IAD.
1. GENDER-FOCUSED
Halkett & Hinshaw (2024), via Problematic Social Internet Use and Associations with ADHD symptoms in girls: a longitudinal observational study, with a sample of 228 females aged 6-12, 88 neurotypical and 140 with ADHD, found hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms of ADHD were found unrelated to SMA, while inattentive ADHD was related to SMA. Comorbid disorders were allowed in the sample as well. While females with greater inattention symptoms developed SMA with more frequency, the relationship wasn’t majorly significant. In comparison, Schou Andreassen et al. (2016), via The relationship between addictive use of social media and video games and symptoms of psychiatric disorders: A large-scale cross-sectional study, 90 surveyed around 23,533 Norwegian adults (aged 16–88) using ASRS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R), Game Addiction Scale (GAS), and Bergen Social Networking Addiction Scale (BSNAS). The ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with SMA and IGD. Gender analysis revealed that males were significantly more likely to exhibit IGD, while females were more prone to SMA. In both, being of a younger age, single, having OCD, anxiety, depression, alongside ADHD were risk factors.
Tateno et al. (2016, 2018) contributed two studies. First one was Internet Addiction and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Traits among Female College Students in Japan (sample of 369 females) through the ASRS and Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the second one was Internet addiction and self-evaluated ADHD traits among Japanese college students, with a sample of 403, 165 being males respectively, found that college students with greater ADHD symptoms have a higher chance of IAD. In Japan, male students mainly used the internet for online gaming, while female students mainly used the internet for social media and social networking. Koncz et al. (2024), titled Gender-specific motivational
pathways in ADHD-related inattention and gaming disorder symptoms, through a sample of 14,740 collected (13163 male), through an online survey between the ages of 14-75 years, IGD was shown to be common in both ADHD males and females, but with different motives. While both were likely to play video games as a form of escapism and immersion, males were shown to use them to deal with boredom, for competitive reasons, and as a habit. Males with inattentive symptoms were also more likely to develop IGD in comparison to females.
Zakaria et al. (2023), titled Association between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms, anxiety and stress among university students, a Malaysian-based study with a sample of 480 university students (73.1 % female) using the IAT, ASRS, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and UCLA Loneliness Scale. Findings showed risk factors for IAD were higher ADHD inattention symptom scores, elevated anxiety, loneliness, and stress. Males were also more at risk of reporting stress and loneliness, which suggests they were more at risk of IAD. ADHD symptoms contributed independently to IAD, even after accounting for emotional distress.
Augner et al. (2023), titled The relationship between problematic internet use and attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity: A meta-analysis, through a meta-analysis of 24 studies published around 2004-2021 with a total sample of 18,859 encompassing children, adolescents, and adults, extracted effect sizes for attention deficit, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, using a random-effects model. There were significant associations found between IAD and ADHD symptoms. Effect sizes for attention deficit and hyperactivity were higher in adult samples compared to children/adolescents, and both attention deficit and hyperactivity associations were significantly stronger in males than females.
Wang et al. (2024), titled The longitudinal associations between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms among adolescents conducted a longitudinal study of 865 Chinese
adolescents (M = 13.8 years, 50.6% female) across three time points over six months. Using cross-lagged structural equation modeling, the IAT (adolescence version), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), bidirectional relationships were found: initial IAD predicted increases in inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; conversely, ADHD symptoms also predicted later IAD. Adolescents with Attention deficits were found to experience boredom during tasks that required sustained engagement and preferred stimulating online activities. Gender did not significantly influence any of these associations, indicating similar temporal dynamics across males and females when developing IAD.
2. AGE GROUPS
Children and adolescents (< 18)
Berloffa et al. (2022), in Italy, through Internet Gaming Disorder in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, found that in Italy, greater ADHD inattention symptoms also increased the chances of developing IGD in children, compared to a control group. A sample of 108 ADHD patients (89% males) and 147 control groups (77.7% males) were involved. Children with ADHD and IGD were also more at risk of having socialization issues, withdrawal tendencies, and internalizing symptoms. Menéndez-García et al. (2022), in Spain, published Internet, video game, and mobile Addiction in children and adolescents, a case-control study with a sample of 112 children (51 ADHD sample, 61 non-ADHD sample), around 7-17 years old, females had a higher chance of developing PSPU, often fueled by IAD, while males were more likely to develop IGD. ADHD was also identified as a risk factor for IAD in general.
Cakmak & Gul (2018), with Factors associated with problematic internet use among children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, in Turkey, found
Internet usage is higher among ADHD children and teenagers, with a sample of 34 children between the ages of 12-16. No differences were observed in the type of online activities preferred, only in frequency. In a cross-sectional study made in India by Enagandula et al., 2018, titled Study of Internet addiction in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and normal control with a sample of 100 children (50 with ADHD, 50 without ADHD) between 8-16 years, and another study in Israel by Weinstein et. al. (2015) titled Internet Addiction and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Among School children with a sample of 50 male students (mean age = 13) the same results regarding the frequency were observed. It was also observed that the children with ADHD had a higher risk of developing sleep disorders since they went to sleep later compared to non-ADHD children.
Weiss et al. (2011), titled The screens culture: Impact on ADHD, a literature synthesis primarily made on North-American research, concluded that ADHD represents a risk factor for IGD and IAD. When focusing on IGD, its low attention demands, immediate rewards, and strong incentives to continue can draw in individuals with symptoms of inattention and impulsivity. ADHD was found to be associated with IGD, with both coexisting in a bidirectional relationship where ADHD increases the risk of developing IGD, and IGD increases ADHD symptoms. Becker & Lienesch (2018), published Nighttime media use in adolescents with ADHD: links to sleep problems and internalizing symptoms, a cross‑sectional survey in the USA with a sample of 81 teenagers aged 13-17 with ADHD, (56 males), found that teens averaged 5.3 hours of screen use after 9 PM, and 63–77% got under 8 hours of school-night sleep. Greater nighttime media use correlated with reduced sleep duration, increased sleep problems, and heightened internalizing symptoms, effects that persisted even when controlling for ADHD severity, stimulant medication use, and pubertal development. Bourchtein et al. (2019) also found via Technology Use and Sleep in Adolescents With and Without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, through a sample of
162 teenagers with ADHD and 140 non-ADHD teenagers found that teenagers with ADHD reported significantly more screen time (177 minutes on the ADHD group vs. 136 minutes on the non-ADHD group, parent reported). Media use had a detrimental impact on sleep quality in both the ADHD group and control group, with higher daytime sleepiness in the ADHD group.
Lee et al. (2023), titled Exploring mediational roles for self-stigma in associations between types of problematic use of internet and psychological distress in youth with ADHD, in Taiwan and through a sample of 100 children with ADHD (84 males) found that self-stigma —negative beliefs about one-self— mediated the link between in some forms of IAD, specifically SMA and PSPU, and psychological distress, suggesting that internalized stigma amplifies IAD. This link was not shown in the case of IGD. Eden et al. (2025), through Cyberbullying and problematic internet use in adolescents with ADHD: exploring the relationship with moral disengagement and social skills, in Israel, with a sample of clinically diagnosed children with and without ADHD (2247 without ADHD, 774 with ADHD), and found links between IAD, increased moral disengagement, poorer social skills and increased cyberbullying behavior within the ADHD group. Dawson et al. (2019), also found via Exploring how adolescents with ADHD use and interact with technology, in the USA, with a sample of 58 teens aged 13-17 years (45 male), found through interviews and analyses that teens with ADHD were at risk of cyberbullying behaviors, and this was linked to poorer social skills and internalizing symptoms.
Demirtaş et al. (2021), titled Lifetime depressive and current social anxiety are associated with problematic internet use in adolescents with ADHD: a cross-sectional study, conducted a cross‑sectional study in Turkey with 95 clinically diagnosed adolescents with ADHD. Using IAT, they found that 33.7% met the criteria for IAD. Those who met the criteria for IAD also presented higher rates of social phobia and past major depressive disorder. Associations between ADHD, IAD, social networking, online gaming, emailing, and social anxiety were also found through a regression analysis.
Kahraman & Demirci (2018), titled Internet addiction and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder: Effects of anxiety, depression and self-esteem, through a sample of 219 children in Turkey (111 with ADHD, 108 non-ADHD, all aged 12-18), used the IAT, parent/teacher ADHD scales, Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Childhood Screening Scale for Anxiety in Children (SCARED), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). In cross-sectional analyses, IAD correlated strongly with inattention and hyperactivity, as well as with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Regression analyses identified inattention, anxiety, and low self-esteem as independent predictors of IAD, with no significant gender differences in these associations. Thorell et al. (2024), with Longitudinal associations between digital media use and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents: a systematic literature review, conducted a systematic review of 28 longitudinal studies with a sample of individuals aged 0-17 with ADHD. They confirmed a bidirectional relationship: digital media use predicted worsening ADHD symptoms over time, and existing ADHD symptoms predicted increased media engagement, highlighting a reinforcing feedback cycle and also making it more likely for these individuals to develop IAD. Marin et al. (2021) also presented, with Internet Addiction and Attention in Adolescents: A Systematic Review, an international systematic review involving 44 studies (including some with ADHD).
Their synthesis linked higher levels of IAD to measurable attention deficits and executive function impairments across youth populations in both ADHD and non-ADHD groups, even if it was greater in ADHD groups.
Adults/mixed
Aydın, T., et al. (2025), through On the relationship between internet addiction and ADHD symptoms in adults: does the type of online activity matter?, through a sample of 205 adults aged 18-49 (79 females, 126 males), found via demographic questionnaires, ASRS-v1.1 for ADHD symptoms, IAT, and Stroop task to assess inhibitory control, that inattention also
predicted the severity of IAD in adults, and this link was stronger among individuals with poorer inhibitory control. No single type of online activity (e.g., gaming, social media) solely drove this relationship; it was moderated by executive function deficits rather than specific online activities. Panagiotidi & Overton (2018) also found via The relationship between internet addiction, attention deficit hyperactivity symptoms and online activities in adults, thanks to a sample of 400 adults (240 females, aged 18-70), via the IAT, ASRS, sociodemographic data and online activities data that younger adults with greater amounts of ADHD symptoms, online gaming, frequent internet use, and/or sensation-seeking personality traits were at higher risk of IAD. In adults with ADHD traits, the most common internet activities were videogame watching, online gaming, online gambling, and television, all being more frequent in ADHD-like groups compared to non-ADHD groups.
Wang et al. (2017) found, through The association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and internet addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted a meta-analysis of 15 observational studies (13 cross-sectional, 2 cohort) covering participants aged 8–40 across different countries. Using RevMan 5.3, a systematic review management software, they synthesized correlations between IAD and ADHD symptoms and found a moderate, positive association between IAD and ADHD across inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity scores. Males were more likely to exhibit IAD, but age did not have a significant moderating effect.
—Methodology
An interpretative meta-synthesis approach was opted for. Relevant studies were searched for in different databases (PubMed, ResearchGate), and a total of 26 studies published between 2011-2025 with a key focus on the following were collected: Their main focus must have been IAD within ADHD individuals or ADHD with control groups, gender or age group focused, published in the last 15 years or extract information from these sources, and studies with samples not clinically diagnosed but assessed through the ASRS test were allowed.
Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case studies, cross-sectional studies, and longitudinal studies were included to cover psychological, behavioral, and social perspectives.
—Results
Across most of the studies, individuals with ADHD demonstrated higher rates of internet usage than those without ADHD (Wang et al., 2024; Enagandula et al., 2018; Cakmak & Gul, 2018; Augner et al., 2023; Weinstein et al., 2015; Kahraman & Demirci, 2018), as well as a higher chance of developing IAD, with ADHD being an independent risk factor (Panagiotidi & Overton, 2018; Wang et al., 2024). ADHD symptoms were positively correlated with IAD in most studies (Berloffa et al., 2022; Dawson et al., 2019; Koncz et al., 2024).
1. Age group differences
Children and adolescents with ADHD exhibited stronger behavioral and emotional dysregulation tied to IAD than their non-ADHD peers (Berloffa et al., 2022; Menéndez-García et al., 2022). Children with ADHD also showed higher moral disengagement and lower social skills, as well as susceptibility to cyberbullying compared to the general population (Heiman et al., 2025). Adolescents were especially vulnerable to sleep disruption and internalizing symptoms due to nighttime internet use (Becker & Lienesch, 2018; Bourchtein et al., 2019).
Additionally, adults with ADHD maintained higher risk levels for IAD, as well as a form of emotional regulation (Aydın et al., 2025), but no single type of online activity seemed to affect IAD on its own; rather, a combination of executive function deficits and poorer inhibitory control.
2. Gender Differences
Males were reported to be more likely to exhibit IGD, with specific motivational pathways differing between genders. Males with inattentive ADHD symptoms were also more likely to develop IGD (Koncz et al., 2024). Symptoms of inattentive ADHD were associated with SMA in girls (Halkett & Hinshaw, 2024). In children and adolescents, males were more prone to IGD, while females were more likely to develop SMA and PSPU (Schou Andreassen et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2024). Associations between ADHD and IAD were found to be stronger in males than females, particularly concerning attention deficit and hyperactivity (Augner et al., 2023). However, one study noted no significant gender differences in the associations between inattention, anxiety, low self-esteem, and IAD (Kahraman & Demirci, 2018). Another study found that gender did not moderate the longitudinal associations between digital media use and ADHD symptoms (Wang et al. 2024).
ADHD individuals, in general, were more likely to develop IGD due to a desire for escapism and immersion while playing, but males with ADHD were more likely to develop IGD due to stimulation and reward-seeking behavior in competitive online gaming spaces (Berloffa et al., 2022; Koncz et al., 2024), compared to females with ADHD. Females with ADHD with
greater inattentive ADHD symptoms showed tendencies toward social media overuse compared to their non-ADHD female peers (Halkett & Hinshaw, 2024). Additionally, females and males with ADHD both show higher cyberbullying vulnerability and emotional maladjustment as risk factors for IAD (Halkett & Hinshaw, 2024; Eden et al., 2025).
—Discussion
Most studies utilized the IAT and the ASRS in their methodology to assess IAD and ADHD or ADHD-like symptoms in their samples, respectively. IAD is presented differently in individuals with ADHD in severity, form, and function. ADHD individuals have shown higher engagement in stimulating, immediate-reward platforms and are more likely to show excessive gaming, late-night usage, and difficulty disengaging from digital content (Becker & Lienesch, 2018; Berloffa et al., 2022; Dawson et al., 2019; Cakmak & Gul, 2018). This may be due to ADHD-related deficits in executive function and delayed gratification, making immediate-reward platforms (like games or social media) more appealing (Ceranoglu, 2018; Weiss et al., 2011). These behaviors are frequently exacerbated by comorbidity disorders as well as poorer social skills, internalizing symptoms, and self-stigma (Yen et al., 2007; Demirtaş et al., 2021; Zakaria et al., 2023).
While some studies, such as Aydın et al. (2025), utilized the ASRS instead of a clinical diagnosis, existing literature still suggested that core symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, might be correlated with an increased risk of internet addiction (Wang et al., 2017; Panagiotidi & Overton, 2018). Specifically, impulsivity can lead to a pursuit of immediate gratification through online activities, while inattention might be temporarily mitigated by constant internet stimulation. Some studies also indicate that certain types of online activities, such as video gaming or social media use, may be particularly engaging for individuals with ADHD, exacerbating the risk of problematic use. This suggests that, compared to the general population, individuals with ADHD appear to exhibit a higher rate of IAD and difficulties in self-regulating time spent on online activities.
It was also found that self-stigma and internalized behaviors in ADHD individuals is a risk factor for IAD, except for IGD (Lee et al., 2023; Lissak, 2018), with individuals turning to internet usage as a form of self-regulation, but even when controlling this emotional distress, ADHD still made the individual more likely to develop IAD (Zakaria et al., 2023). IAD and ADHD seemed to have a bidirectional relationship in which ADHD made the individual more likely to develop IAD, while at the same time, IAD further exacerbated ADHD symptoms (Wang et al., 2024; Thorell et al., 2024; Weiss et al., 2011). There is a mix of longitudinal and cross-sectional studies regarding this relationship, but when it comes to females and SMA, the longitudinal relationship between inattention and SMA wasn’t as significant across six years (Halkett & Hinshaw, 2024).
In children and adolescents, the risk is exacerbated by underdeveloped self-regulation and limited parental control, specifically during unstructured free time (Cakmak & Gul, 2018; Bourchtein et al., 2019). No gender differences were found in this influence with general IAD, suggesting both males and females are similarly affected. However, boys with ADHD, with greater inattention and impulsivity symptoms, often developed IGD, while girls with more inattentive symptoms were more vulnerable to SMA and PSPU, with both genders experiencing associated mood symptoms (Tateno et al., 2018; Koncz et al., 2024). This suggests that gender may influence how ADHD symptoms relate to specific forms of IAD. Research also indicates that children and adolescents with ADHD are the group most at risk of developing IAD, regardless of gender. Underlying symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity, plus related comorbidities, could play an influential role. It is also possible that studies reporting higher prevalence in specific types of IAD among females may have captured populations where inattentive symptoms were more pronounced or better recognized. Conversely, higher rates of specific forms of IAD among ADHD males in other studies may reflect a focus on gendered online behaviors when assessing IAD, such as IGD,
which are more commonly associated with impulsivity and reward-seeking tendencies (Hawi & Samaha, 2019). It may also be hypothesized that a combination of symptom profiles, sociocultural aspects, and gender contributes to the development of a specific type of IAD when referring to ADHD individuals.
For adults, the relationship between ADHD and IAD is similar. Higher attention deficit also indicates greater chances of falling into IAD (Augner et al. 2023). Emotional dysregulation, executive function deficits, poorer inhibitory control, sensation-seeking personality traits, and comorbidities like depression or anxiety also appear to mediate excessive internet use (Aydın et al., 2025; Kahraman & Demirci, 2018), as well as risk factors like loneliness. Parker, G. (2024), with ADDing up, has also authored a reflective commentary in Australasian Psychiatry addressing clinical observations of adult-onset ADHD-like symptoms potentially linked to excessive digital media use, suggesting that IAD use may mimic or exacerbate attention-deficit symptoms in older populations, and simultaneously, Lissak (2018), via Adverse physiological and psychological effects of screen time on children and adolescents: Literature review and case study, also made a literature and presented a case study from Israel involving a single 9-year-old child. Psychologically, the child exhibited externalizing/internalizing behaviors and “addiction-like” screen dependency, resembling ADHD traits, linked to screen overuse exceeding two hours a day. Notably, reducing screen exposure led to observable improvements in attention and behavior, suggesting relevance for ADHD-like presentations in children. A critical next step involves shifting the longitudinal research focus to adult populations, encompassing both those with and without ADHD, to understand how these conditions manifest and impact individuals across different life stages, and analyze the possibility of ADHD-like presentations in children not clinically diagnosed.
Future longitudinal studies should also specifically examine internet activities among females with ADHD to gain a deeper understanding of potential IAD. Additionally, exploring cultural
differences across various countries is essential, as these may influence how ADHD and IAD behaviors are expressed and understood.
Understanding these distinctions is critical for developing effective interventions, like gender-sensitive therapy for IAD and generational-specific digital literacy programs. As digital media evolves, further longitudinal and neurocognitive studies are needed to unpack the complex interplay between ADHD and IAD in modern society, as well as differences in its presentation within ADHD individuals.
—Limitations
This meta-synthesis is subject to some limitations that should be taken into account when interpreting its findings. The analysis was limited to studies published between 2011 and 2025. Studies with null or negative results are also less likely to be published, which skews the synthesis toward the associations between ADHD and IAD in comparison to the general population. Since it’s a meta-synthesis, this paper also inherits the methodological limitations of the primary studies synthesized. Some featured small sample sizes, which reduced statistical power and limited the generalizability of the findings. Others rely on cross-sectional designs, making it difficult to draw causal conclusions about the relationship between ADHD and internet addiction. Also, the lack of longitudinal studies in adult populations and gender-focused research in women with ADHD and IAD represents a significant gap in understanding the dynamics of this relationship. There is also no universally accepted definition or classification of “internet addiction” and its types across the literature. This lack of consensus may affect the validity and reliability of the meta-synthesis results. The selection process of the 26 studies included in this meta-synthesis may have introduced selection bias. The findings may not be generalizable across some cultural contexts. This limitation underscores the need to explore cultural variations more deeply. Although this meta-synthesis considers qualitative elements, the absence of a deeper analysis of the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD and IAD can limit the understanding of the factors underlying this relationship.
—Conclusion
ADHD individuals are more prone to IAD compared to the general population. The research indicates that individuals with ADHD exhibit higher rates of internet usage and a greater likelihood of developing IAD, with ADHD acting as an independent risk factor. While both males and females with ADHD are at higher risk, gender appears to influence the specific form of IAD. Males are more prone to IGD, often driven by motives like escapism, competition, and habit, whereas females with ADHD, particularly those with inattentive symptoms, show a greater tendency towards SMA and PSPU. This suggests that all underlying ADHD symptom profiles, sociocultural aspects, and gender may dictate the type of IAD experienced, with comorbidities further exacerbating these issues.
In terms of age, children and adolescents with ADHD demonstrate more pronounced behavioral and emotional dysregulation related to IAD, often engaging with immediate-reward platforms due to executive function deficits. This age group also faces risks of sleep disturbances and internalizing symptoms linked to excessive screen time. In adults, inattention, poorer inhibitory control, executive function deficits, and emotional dysregulation, alongside comorbidities, are also key mediators of IAD. The relationship between ADHD and IAD is often bidirectional in both groups, creating a reinforcing cycle where each condition can worsen the other. Future research should delve deeper into generational and cultural differences, ADHD-like presentations, and gender differences to fully understand the varied presentations of IAD in individuals with ADHD.
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