Impact of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation on Social Media Addiction

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to find out if transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation method, can help reduce craving and problematic social media or internet use among university students. The study focuses on students with moderate-to-severe internet addiction, exploring whether active tDCS lowers craving and addiction severity compared to sham stimulation or no stimulation. The rationale is based on similarities between behavioral and substance addictions, targeting brain areas involved in control and reward. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: active tDCS, sham tDCS, or a control group with no stimulation. Those in the active and sham groups attend 10 supervised sessions over two weeks (Monday to Friday), each lasting about 30 minutes, using the PlatoWork tDCS headset with electrodes placed on specific brain regions. The sham group receives brief stimulation to mimic the experience without neuromodulatory effects. The control group completes assessments but does not receive stimulation. Participants complete questionnaires including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and rate their craving on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after each session. Assessments occur at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and about five weeks later to evaluate lasting effects. Data on social media habits are also collected. Safety measures and confidentiality protocols are in place, and participants may withdraw at any time. After the study, those in sham or control groups may be offered the real tDCS treatment.

tDCS for Social Media Addiction