Prevalence of behavioural addictions

As outlined on the slide, meta-analyses of internet, gaming, and social media addiction have estimated that the prevalence of these addictions ranges from 2.5–7% of the population.^[1,2] Most national surveys conclude that the majority of the population have at some point gambled during their lives; however, the estimates of the prevalence of gambling addiction and problem gambling vary widely, driven by differences in methodology and differences in screening techniques.^[3,4] Some have argued that the increase in the availability of gambling services (e.g., via the expansion of online gambling platforms), and the ensuing harms from problem gambling, require a public-health response from policymakers.^[4]

References:
[1] Pan YC, Chiu YC, Lin YH. Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiology of internet addiction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118: 612–622.

[2] Cheng C, Lau YC, Chan L, Luk JW. Prevalence of social media addiction across 32 nations: meta-analysis with subgroup analysis of classification schemes and cultural values. Addict Behav 2021; 117: 106845.

[3] Calado F, Griffiths MD. Problem gambling worldwide: an update and systematic review of empirical research (2000–2015). J Behav Addict 2016; 5 (4): 592–613.

[4] Abbott MW. The changing epidemiology of gambling disorder and gambling-related harm: public health implications. Public Health 2020; 184: 41–45.