Interventions for Digital Addiction: Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses

Abstract

Background:Numerous studies have explored interventions to reduce digital addiction outcomes, but inconclusive evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers, managers, and clinicians to become familiar with all available literature and find appropriate interventions.

Objective:This study aims to summarize and assess the certainty of evidence of interventions proposed to decrease digital addiction from published meta-analyses.

Methods:An umbrella review of published meta-analyses was performed. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase for meta-analyses published up to February 2024. Eligible studies evaluated interventions using randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled trials, or quasi-experimental studies and were assessed for methodological quality using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews version 2. A random effects model was used to analyze data, considering heterogeneity and publication bias. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations was applied to assess evidence with certainty.

Results:A total of 5 studies assessing 21 associations were included in the umbrella review, of which 4 (80%) were high-quality meta-analyses. Weak evidence was observed in 19 associations, whereas null associations appeared in the remaining 2 associations. These associations pertained to 8 interventions (group counseling, integrated internet addiction [IA] prevention programs, psychosocial interventions, reality therapy, self-control training programs, cognitive behavioral therapy, interventions to reduce screen time in children, and exercise) and 9 outcomes (self-control, self-esteem, internet gaming disorder symptoms, time spent gaming, IA scores, screen use time, interpersonal sensitivity longlines, anxiety, and depression). Cognitive behavioral therapy reduces anxiety (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.939, 95% CI 0.311 to 1.586), internet gaming disorder symptoms (SMD 1.394, 95% CI 0.664 to 2.214), time spent gaming (SMD 1.259, 95% CI, 0.311 to 2.206), and IA scores (SMD –2.097, 95% CI –2.814 to –1.381). Group counseling had a large effect on improving self-control (SMD 1.296, 95% CI 0.269 to 2.322) and reducing IA levels (SMD –1.417, 95% CI –1.836 to –0.997). Exercise intervention reduced IA scores (SMD –2.322, 95% CI –3.212 to –1.431), depression scores (SMD –1.421, 95% CI –2.046 to –797), and interpersonal sensitivity scores (SMD –1.433, 95% CI –2.239 to –0.627).

Conclusions:The evidence indicates that current interventions to reduce digital addiction are weak. Data from more and better-designed studies with larger sample sizes are needed to establish robust evidence.

Trial Registration:PROSPERO CRD42024528173; crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=528173