#digitaladdiction — Public Fediverse posts

CNBC: EU to crack down on TikTok, Instagram’s ‘addictive design’ targeting kids on social media. “The EU is clamping down on social media firms and plans to target ‘addictive design’ features on TikTok and Instagram as governments worldwide look to protect children from the harms of social media.”

🚫🔒 Oh no! The EU is here to save the kids from the big bad social media wolves, but it looks like we need a secret handshake just to read about it! 🙄🔍 Maybe the real addictive design is the thrill of trying to access forbidden content. 😂🛑
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html #EUregulations #socialmedia #accessforbidden #digitaladdiction #kidsafety #HackerNews #ngated

🚫🔒 Oh no! The EU is here to save the kids from the big bad social media wolves, but it looks like we need a secret handshake just to read about it! 🙄🔍 Maybe the real addictive design is the thrill of trying to access forbidden content. 😂🛑
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html #EUregulations #socialmedia #accessforbidden #digitaladdiction #kidsafety #HackerNews #ngated

🚫🔒 Oh no! The EU is here to save the kids from the big bad social media wolves, but it looks like we need a secret handshake just to read about it! 🙄🔍 Maybe the real addictive design is the thrill of trying to access forbidden content. 😂🛑
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html #EUregulations #socialmedia #accessforbidden #digitaladdiction #kidsafety #HackerNews #ngated

🚫🔒 Oh no! The EU is here to save the kids from the big bad social media wolves, but it looks like we need a secret handshake just to read about it! 🙄🔍 Maybe the real addictive design is the thrill of trying to access forbidden content. 😂🛑
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html #EUregulations #socialmedia #accessforbidden #digitaladdiction #kidsafety #HackerNews #ngated

🚫🔒 Oh no! The EU is here to save the kids from the big bad social media wolves, but it looks like we need a secret handshake just to read about it! 🙄🔍 Maybe the real addictive design is the thrill of trying to access forbidden content. 😂🛑
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html #EUregulations #socialmedia #accessforbidden #digitaladdiction #kidsafety #HackerNews #ngated

PsyPost: Problematic social media use is linked to how feelings of freedom relate to mental health. ” The findings indicate that while feeling free generally supports better psychological well-being, unhealthy attachments to social media tend to weaken the benefits of personal freedom but strengthen the positive effects of national pride.”

Reuters: Meta faces New Mexico trial that could force changes to Facebook, other platforms. “The case, which will be tried before a judge in Santa Fe, stems from ‌a lawsuit filed by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, a Democrat, accusing the social media giant of designing its products to addict young users and failing to protect ‌children from sexual exploitation on its platforms.”

University of British Columbia: Are you addicted to your AI chatbot? It might be by design. “AI chatbots can grant almost any request—a celebrity in love with you, a research assistant, a book character sprung to life—instantly and with little effort. New research presented at the 2026 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems suggests that this genie-like quality is fuelling AI […]

University of Cambridge: Gambling ads on social media reach more than twice as many men as women. “Researchers led by the University of Cambridge analysed 411 advertisements from 88 licensed gambling operators in Ireland and found that young men were reached 2.3 times more than women across Meta platforms including Facebook and Instagram, even if the ads were not directly targeting men. The age […]

PsyPost: Short video addiction is linked to lower life satisfaction through loneliness and anxiety. “A new study published The Journal of Psychology provides evidence that problematic use of short video platforms is linked to higher feelings of loneliness, which subsequently relate to elevated anxiety and a decrease in a person’s contentment with their life.”

Reuters: Meta must face youth addiction lawsuit by Massachusetts, court rules. “Meta Platforms must face a lawsuit by Massachusetts’ attorney general alleging the company designed its Instagram social media platform to addict children, the state’s top court ruled on Friday.”

Neuroscience explains why teens are so vulnerable to Big Tech social media platforms
#SocialMedia #Neuroscience #MentalHealth #Teen #BigTech #DigitalAddiction #Dopamine #Youth #Depression #Anxiety #Psychology #TechRegulation #OnlineHarms #MediaCriticism
https://the-14.com/neuroscience-explains-why-teens-are-so-vulnerable-to-big-tech-social-media-platforms/

Louisville Public Media: Research points to how companies could make social media less addictive for teens. “Early research on social media’s impacts on teen mental health focused mostly on how much time they spent on these platforms, with some studies finding more time being linked with worse mental health symptoms, particularly depression. But in recent years, researchers have homed in […]

PsyPost: Excessive smartphone habits tied to emotional dysregulation in the brain . “Young adults who struggle to manage their smartphone habits display altered brain connectivity patterns related to emotional processing and self-control. A newly released study maps how these neural differences correspond to difficulties in regulating negative feelings. The research was published in the journal […]

Landmark lawsuit finds that social media addiction is a feature, not a bug
#SocialMedia #TechAccountability #BigTech #Meta #Media #YouTube #DigitalAddiction #MentalHealth #YouthProtection #Algorithm #TechEthics #DataEconomy #OnlineSafety #DigitalRights
https://the-14.com/landmark-lawsuit-finds-that-social-media-addiction-is-a-feature-not-a-bug/

‘The era of invincibility is over’: the week big tech was brought to heel | Social media | The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/media/ng-interactive/2026/mar/28/week-that-brought-big-tech-to-heel-meta-youtube-google-instagram-facebook
#meta #socialnetwork #drugs #digitaladdiction

Associated Press: Jurors wade through daunting evidence in high-stakes Meta trial about social media risks to children. “A daunting stream of testimony and evidence has been presented in a New Mexico case that explores what the social media conglomerate Meta knew about the effects of its platforms on children.”

PsyPost: Narcissistic traits and celebrity worship are linked to excessive Instagram scrolling via emotional struggles and fear of missing out. “The researchers found a positive link between narcissistic traits, celebrity worship, and problematic Instagram use. In other words, individuals who scored higher in narcissism or celebrity obsession also reported unhealthier relationships with the […]

PsyPost: Excessive TikTok use is linked to social anxiety and daily cognitive errors. “The researchers found that excessive use of the popular short video app acts as a bridge between underlying social anxieties and a person’s tendency to forget appointments or lose focus during daily tasks. These results shed light on how the specific design of modern social media platforms might influence […]

Associated Press: Lawyers in landmark social media addiction trial make final appeals to the jury. “After about a month of hearing from addiction experts, therapists, platform engineers and executives, including Mark Zuckerberg, 12 jurors heard closing arguments before deciding whether social media companies should be liable for harms caused to children using their platforms.”

The Guardian: AI chatbots point vulnerable social media users to illegal online casinos, analysis shows. “AI chatbots are recommending illegal online casinos to vulnerable social media users, putting them at increased risk of fraud, addiction and even suicide.”

Associated Press: Young woman says she was on social media ‘all day long’ as a child in landmark addiction trial. “The now 20-year-old, who has been identified in court documents as KGM, says her early use of social media addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Meta and YouTube are the two remaining defendants in the case, which TikTok and Snap have […]

Associated Press: Social media can be addictive even for adults, but there are ways to cut back. “The companies that designed your favorite apps have an incentive to keep you glued to them so they can serve up ads that make them billions of dollars in revenue. Resisting the pull of the endless scroll, the dopamine hits from short-form videos and the ego boost and validation that come from likes […]

TechCrunch: Meta’s own research found parental supervision doesn’t really help curb teens’ compulsive social media use. “An internal research study at Meta dubbed ‘Project MYST’ created in partnership with the University of Chicago, found that parental supervision and controls — such as time limits and restricted access — had little impact on kids’ compulsive use of social media. […]

Italy weighs social media age limits amid teen digital addiction.

Italy is sounding the alarm over digital addiction among teenagers, with new figures suggesting the problem is far more widespread than previously thought.

According to the country’s National Institute of Health, around 100 000 young people aged 15 to 18 are at risk of addiction to social media.

https://mediafaro.org/article/20260219-italy-weighs-social-media-age-limits-amid-teen-digital-addiction?mf_channel=mastodon&action=forward

#SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Tech #DigitalAddiction #MentalHealth

PBS Newshour: Zuckerberg takes stand in a landmark trial on youth social media addiction. “Mark Zuckerberg took the stand in federal court to defend Instagram against allegations that it was deliberately designed to be addictive to children and teens. It’s the first time he’s testifying about child safety in front of a jury. YouTube is also included in the lawsuit. TikTok and Snapchat chose to […]

TechSpot: Europe is coming after infinite scroll – TikTok’s endless feed is now a legal problem. “The European Commission has formally accused TikTok of designing its product to be addictive – particularly for minors – and indicated that features such as infinite scroll may need to change. This marks the first time EU regulators have treated addictive design as a systemic risk under the […]

BBC: Instagram boss says 16 hours of daily use is ‘problematic’ not addiction. “The head of Instagram has defended his platform against claims it caused mental health damage to minors, arguing in a California court that even seemingly excessive use of social media does not equal an addiction.”

Just a reminder amidst all this noise and chaos…Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok all purposefully designed their social media products to addict children and teens with no regard for known harms to their wellbeing, and how that mass youth addiction was core to the companies’ business models. Report linked below. #SocialMedia #DigitalAddiction #Meta #Google #Snap #TikTok #Capitalism #exploitation #PredatoryCapitalism #PredatoryPractices #TechBros

https://techoversight.org/2026/01/25/top-report-mdl-jan-25/

BBC: TikTok told to change ‘addictive design’ by EU or face massive fines. “The EU has told TikTok it must change its ‘addictive design’ or face heavy fines, after it found the video sharing platform had breached its online safety rules. It follows an investigation which began in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned app by the European Commission.”

Важливе рішення щодо TikTok.
Попередні висновки Європейської комісії після дворічного розслідування — #TikTok викликає «залежність» у дітей і дорослих. Нескінченний скролінг, автовідтворення, push-сповіщення та настирлива система "персоналізованих" рекомендацій. Крім того, не розпізнаються маленькі діти - їм показується контент, невідповідний до віку.

Тепер компанію імовірно чекає штраф у розмірі до 6 % від обороту за порушення вимог Digital Services Act.
#DSA #socialnetwork #digitaladdiction

EU probes TikTok for "addictive design" features like autoplay & infinite scroll, violating their Digital Services Act, citing risks to children's health & mental well-being. TikTok rejects allegations. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/eu-tiktok-addictive-design-dsa-violation-it13ft4b?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #TikTok #EU #DigitalAddiction #SocialMedia #ChildrensHealth

The deaths of three minor sisters in Ghaziabad have triggered an investigation into the possible role of an online task-based “love game.” Experts warn such immersive platforms can lead to addiction, especially among children, as the Economic Survey flags rising digital dependency. https://english.mathrubhumi.com/multimedia/videos/ghaziabad-sisters-death-online-gaming-digital-addiction-wdt0ish0?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=mastodon #Ghaziabad #OnlineGameAddiction #DigitalAddiction #ChildSafetyOnline

Biddeford Gazette: Biddeford lawmaker’s bill addresses online gambling addiction. “That gambling explosion – especially the rise in online sports/fantasy wagering – has also caused some problems, most notably a sharp increase in gambling addiction. In response, State Rep. Marc Malon (D-Biddeford) has introduced a bill to provide additional safeguards for Mainers struggling with gambling […]

https://www.europesays.com/uk/731679/ Digital addiction: Age-based access to social media makes sense ##DigitalAddiction ##DigitalRestraint ##DigitalWellbeing ##FamilyDataPlans ##OnlineClassroom ##PlatformAccountability ##YouthMentalHealth #AgeBasedAccess #Business #ChildOnlineSafety #Economy #SocialMediaRegulation #UK #UnitedKingdom

Digital addiction: Age-based access to social media makes sense

THE Economic Survey’s push for age-based access to social media is a welcome intervention. For years, digital expansion…
#Economy ##DigitalAddiction ##DigitalRestraint ##DigitalWellbeing ##FamilyDataPlans ##OnlineClassroom ##PlatformAccountability ##YouthMentalHealth #AgeBasedAccess #business #ChildOnlineSafety #SocialMediaRegulation
https://www.europesays.com/2742976/

Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

When you picture someone with a gambling disorder, a specific image might come to mind. But what if that stereotype is outdated and dangerously incomplete?

A groundbreaking new study from an innovative program in Madrid called ‘Adcom’ reveals that the digital age is forging a new, more complex, and more hidden type of gambling addict. This research, based on hundreds of individuals who sought help voluntarily. And it challenges our most common assumptions about who is affected and why. 

This article shares the most impactful and counter-intuitive findings from this research.

Prepare to see what gambling addiction really looks like today.

1. It’s Rarely Just About Gambling: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis

One of the study’s most critical findings is the extremely high rate at which Gambling Disorder co-occurs with other serious mental health conditions.

This situation, known as “Gambling Dual Disorder (GDD),” suggests that gambling is not an isolated issue. It’s a symptom of a much larger mental health struggle. 

Among the participants who self-referred for a gambling problem, the numbers were stark: 

• 57.4% showed evidence of other psychopathological symptoms. 
• 64.9% experienced significant symptoms of depression.
• 51.3% were at risk for an anxiety disorder.
• 37.4% screened positive for ADHD.

This reframes gambling not as a simple lack of willpower, but as a complex disorder deeply intertwined with a person’s overall mental well-being. To be effective, treatment cannot just focus on the gambling; it must address these co-occurring conditions as well. 

Gambling Disorder can be defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress”.

Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?

Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!

2. The Digital Divide: Online and Offline People with Gambling Disorder Are Strikingly Different People

This complex mental health picture becomes even more fragmented when we look at where the gambling happens. A divide that is creating two entirely different profiles of addiction.

The study revealed significant and clear differences between online gambling versus those who struggled with offline gambling. The most compelling demographic contrasts paint a clear picture: 

• Age: The average online gambler was 30.6 years old, a full generation younger than the average offline gambler at 43.4 years old.
• Gender: While men were the majority in both groups, the disparity was much greater online. Only 5.3% of online gamblers were female, compared to 20.5% of offline gamblers.
• Prior Treatment: Individuals with offline gambling problems were far more likely to have previously sought help for a mental health issue (62.1%) than those with online problems (42.9%). 

These differences are profound.

Technology has fractured the landscape of addiction. It’s created a younger, more isolated cohort that is harder to reach.

The fact that this online group has had significantly less prior contact with mental health services suggests a new, underserved population. A population that may not be captured by traditional outreach and may be less aware of their own underlying conditions.

More About Gambling Disorder

• Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

  New Adcom study reveals gambling disorder today: high mental-health overlap, online/offline differences, compulsive buying link, and key predictors.

  January 20, 2026

• 5 Hidden Ways the Gambling Industry Engineers Harm

  A health lens reveals how the gambling industry engineers harm: blame-shifting “responsible gambling,” addictive design, and policy capture fueling crisis.

  January 6, 2026

• Holiday Gambling: Why You Bet Matters More Than How Much

  Are you planning to do a little gambling this holiday on a football game? Why you bet is more important than how much, according to this new study.

  December 23, 2025

3. A Shocking Connection: Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Buying Go Hand-in-Hand

Perhaps the single most surprising finding was the powerful link between Gambling Disorder and another behavioral addiction: compulsive buying.

The study found that compulsive buying was a potential problem in an astonishing 85.2% of participants. 

Breaking this down even further, for 57.7% of the entire group, the existence of a compulsive buying problem was considered “very probable/sure.” 

This is highly counter-intuitive.

While both behaviors involve money, they are often viewed as completely separate issues. This powerful correlation is not just a quirky finding. It’s evidence that Gambling Disorder may be part of a broader spectrum of impulse-control disorders rooted in similar neurological pathways. It highlights a shared underlying mechanism related to the brain’s reward system and the cycle of financial distress and emotional coping.

4. Your Background and Other Vices Can Predict How You Gamble

The study went beyond simple descriptions to identify factors that could predict whether a person was more likely to struggle with online versus offline gambling. This analysis revealed a complex interplay of cultural factors, lifestyle, and co-occurring disorders that shape a person’s specific addictive behaviors. 

The research identified several key predictors: 

• Being born in Spain increased the odds of having an online gambling problem by more than five times.
• Excessive Internet use nearly tripled the odds of having an online gambling problem.
• Conversely, having a co-occurring alcohol addiction or an eating disorder significantly reduced the odds of having an online problem, making it far more likely the gambling problem was offline.

These points reveal that the specific form an addiction takes is not random. It is shaped by a combination of a person’s environment, other behaviors, and personal history.

Conclusion: A New Call for Awareness of Gambling Disorder

The message from this research is clear: the digital age has forged a new profile of gambling addiction that is younger, more hidden, and more complex. The old stereotypes simply don’t fit the modern reality. 

Innovative programs like Adcom, which lower the barriers to seeking help, are not only crucial for providing treatment but also for gathering the vital data needed to truly understand the problem. This new knowledge allows for better prevention, more targeted interventions, and a more compassionate public understanding of a deeply challenging disorder. 

Knowing that online addiction strikes a younger group with less mental health history, how must we radically change our outreach to find and help this hidden population before it’s too late?

How do you view gambling disorder after reading this article? Let us know in the comments!

Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.

Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.

Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.

Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

When you picture someone with a gambling disorder, a specific image might come to mind. But what if that stereotype is outdated and dangerously incomplete?

A groundbreaking new study from an innovative program in Madrid called ‘Adcom’ reveals that the digital age is forging a new, more complex, and more hidden type of gambling addict. This research, based on hundreds of individuals who sought help voluntarily. And it challenges our most common assumptions about who is affected and why. 

This article shares the most impactful and counter-intuitive findings from this research.

Prepare to see what gambling addiction really looks like today.

1. It’s Rarely Just About Gambling: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis

One of the study’s most critical findings is the extremely high rate at which Gambling Disorder co-occurs with other serious mental health conditions.

This situation, known as “Gambling Dual Disorder (GDD),” suggests that gambling is not an isolated issue. It’s a symptom of a much larger mental health struggle. 

Among the participants who self-referred for a gambling problem, the numbers were stark: 

• 57.4% showed evidence of other psychopathological symptoms. 
• 64.9% experienced significant symptoms of depression.
• 51.3% were at risk for an anxiety disorder.
• 37.4% screened positive for ADHD.

This reframes gambling not as a simple lack of willpower, but as a complex disorder deeply intertwined with a person’s overall mental well-being. To be effective, treatment cannot just focus on the gambling; it must address these co-occurring conditions as well. 

Gambling Disorder can be defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress”.

Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?

Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!

2. The Digital Divide: Online and Offline People with Gambling Disorder Are Strikingly Different People

This complex mental health picture becomes even more fragmented when we look at where the gambling happens. A divide that is creating two entirely different profiles of addiction.

The study revealed significant and clear differences between online gambling versus those who struggled with offline gambling. The most compelling demographic contrasts paint a clear picture: 

• Age: The average online gambler was 30.6 years old, a full generation younger than the average offline gambler at 43.4 years old.
• Gender: While men were the majority in both groups, the disparity was much greater online. Only 5.3% of online gamblers were female, compared to 20.5% of offline gamblers.
• Prior Treatment: Individuals with offline gambling problems were far more likely to have previously sought help for a mental health issue (62.1%) than those with online problems (42.9%). 

These differences are profound.

Technology has fractured the landscape of addiction. It’s created a younger, more isolated cohort that is harder to reach.

The fact that this online group has had significantly less prior contact with mental health services suggests a new, underserved population. A population that may not be captured by traditional outreach and may be less aware of their own underlying conditions.

More About Gambling Disorder

• Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

  New Adcom study reveals gambling disorder today: high mental-health overlap, online/offline differences, compulsive buying link, and key predictors.

  January 20, 2026

• 5 Hidden Ways the Gambling Industry Engineers Harm

  A health lens reveals how the gambling industry engineers harm: blame-shifting “responsible gambling,” addictive design, and policy capture fueling crisis.

  January 6, 2026

• Holiday Gambling: Why You Bet Matters More Than How Much

  Are you planning to do a little gambling this holiday on a football game? Why you bet is more important than how much, according to this new study.

  December 23, 2025

3. A Shocking Connection: Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Buying Go Hand-in-Hand

Perhaps the single most surprising finding was the powerful link between Gambling Disorder and another behavioral addiction: compulsive buying.

The study found that compulsive buying was a potential problem in an astonishing 85.2% of participants. 

Breaking this down even further, for 57.7% of the entire group, the existence of a compulsive buying problem was considered “very probable/sure.” 

This is highly counter-intuitive.

While both behaviors involve money, they are often viewed as completely separate issues. This powerful correlation is not just a quirky finding. It’s evidence that Gambling Disorder may be part of a broader spectrum of impulse-control disorders rooted in similar neurological pathways. It highlights a shared underlying mechanism related to the brain’s reward system and the cycle of financial distress and emotional coping.

4. Your Background and Other Vices Can Predict How You Gamble

The study went beyond simple descriptions to identify factors that could predict whether a person was more likely to struggle with online versus offline gambling. This analysis revealed a complex interplay of cultural factors, lifestyle, and co-occurring disorders that shape a person’s specific addictive behaviors. 

The research identified several key predictors: 

• Being born in Spain increased the odds of having an online gambling problem by more than five times.
• Excessive Internet use nearly tripled the odds of having an online gambling problem.
• Conversely, having a co-occurring alcohol addiction or an eating disorder significantly reduced the odds of having an online problem, making it far more likely the gambling problem was offline.

These points reveal that the specific form an addiction takes is not random. It is shaped by a combination of a person’s environment, other behaviors, and personal history.

Conclusion: A New Call for Awareness of Gambling Disorder

The message from this research is clear: the digital age has forged a new profile of gambling addiction that is younger, more hidden, and more complex. The old stereotypes simply don’t fit the modern reality. 

Innovative programs like Adcom, which lower the barriers to seeking help, are not only crucial for providing treatment but also for gathering the vital data needed to truly understand the problem. This new knowledge allows for better prevention, more targeted interventions, and a more compassionate public understanding of a deeply challenging disorder. 

Knowing that online addiction strikes a younger group with less mental health history, how must we radically change our outreach to find and help this hidden population before it’s too late?

How do you view gambling disorder after reading this article? Let us know in the comments!

Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.

Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.

Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.

Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

When you picture someone with a gambling disorder, a specific image might come to mind. But what if that stereotype is outdated and dangerously incomplete?

A groundbreaking new study from an innovative program in Madrid called ‘Adcom’ reveals that the digital age is forging a new, more complex, and more hidden type of gambling addict. This research, based on hundreds of individuals who sought help voluntarily. And it challenges our most common assumptions about who is affected and why. 

This article shares the most impactful and counter-intuitive findings from this research.

Prepare to see what gambling addiction really looks like today.

1. It’s Rarely Just About Gambling: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis

One of the study’s most critical findings is the extremely high rate at which Gambling Disorder co-occurs with other serious mental health conditions.

This situation, known as “Gambling Dual Disorder (GDD),” suggests that gambling is not an isolated issue. It’s a symptom of a much larger mental health struggle. 

Among the participants who self-referred for a gambling problem, the numbers were stark: 

• 57.4% showed evidence of other psychopathological symptoms. 
• 64.9% experienced significant symptoms of depression.
• 51.3% were at risk for an anxiety disorder.
• 37.4% screened positive for ADHD.

This reframes gambling not as a simple lack of willpower, but as a complex disorder deeply intertwined with a person’s overall mental well-being. To be effective, treatment cannot just focus on the gambling; it must address these co-occurring conditions as well. 

Gambling Disorder can be defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress”.

Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?

Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!

2. The Digital Divide: Online and Offline People with Gambling Disorder Are Strikingly Different People

This complex mental health picture becomes even more fragmented when we look at where the gambling happens. A divide that is creating two entirely different profiles of addiction.

The study revealed significant and clear differences between online gambling versus those who struggled with offline gambling. The most compelling demographic contrasts paint a clear picture: 

• Age: The average online gambler was 30.6 years old, a full generation younger than the average offline gambler at 43.4 years old.
• Gender: While men were the majority in both groups, the disparity was much greater online. Only 5.3% of online gamblers were female, compared to 20.5% of offline gamblers.
• Prior Treatment: Individuals with offline gambling problems were far more likely to have previously sought help for a mental health issue (62.1%) than those with online problems (42.9%). 

These differences are profound.

Technology has fractured the landscape of addiction. It’s created a younger, more isolated cohort that is harder to reach.

The fact that this online group has had significantly less prior contact with mental health services suggests a new, underserved population. A population that may not be captured by traditional outreach and may be less aware of their own underlying conditions.

More About Gambling Disorder

• Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

  New Adcom study reveals gambling disorder today: high mental-health overlap, online/offline differences, compulsive buying link, and key predictors.

  January 20, 2026

• 5 Hidden Ways the Gambling Industry Engineers Harm

  A health lens reveals how the gambling industry engineers harm: blame-shifting “responsible gambling,” addictive design, and policy capture fueling crisis.

  January 6, 2026

• Holiday Gambling: Why You Bet Matters More Than How Much

  Are you planning to do a little gambling this holiday on a football game? Why you bet is more important than how much, according to this new study.

  December 23, 2025

3. A Shocking Connection: Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Buying Go Hand-in-Hand

Perhaps the single most surprising finding was the powerful link between Gambling Disorder and another behavioral addiction: compulsive buying.

The study found that compulsive buying was a potential problem in an astonishing 85.2% of participants. 

Breaking this down even further, for 57.7% of the entire group, the existence of a compulsive buying problem was considered “very probable/sure.” 

This is highly counter-intuitive.

While both behaviors involve money, they are often viewed as completely separate issues. This powerful correlation is not just a quirky finding. It’s evidence that Gambling Disorder may be part of a broader spectrum of impulse-control disorders rooted in similar neurological pathways. It highlights a shared underlying mechanism related to the brain’s reward system and the cycle of financial distress and emotional coping.

4. Your Background and Other Vices Can Predict How You Gamble

The study went beyond simple descriptions to identify factors that could predict whether a person was more likely to struggle with online versus offline gambling. This analysis revealed a complex interplay of cultural factors, lifestyle, and co-occurring disorders that shape a person’s specific addictive behaviors. 

The research identified several key predictors: 

• Being born in Spain increased the odds of having an online gambling problem by more than five times.
• Excessive Internet use nearly tripled the odds of having an online gambling problem.
• Conversely, having a co-occurring alcohol addiction or an eating disorder significantly reduced the odds of having an online problem, making it far more likely the gambling problem was offline.

These points reveal that the specific form an addiction takes is not random. It is shaped by a combination of a person’s environment, other behaviors, and personal history.

Conclusion: A New Call for Awareness of Gambling Disorder

The message from this research is clear: the digital age has forged a new profile of gambling addiction that is younger, more hidden, and more complex. The old stereotypes simply don’t fit the modern reality. 

Innovative programs like Adcom, which lower the barriers to seeking help, are not only crucial for providing treatment but also for gathering the vital data needed to truly understand the problem. This new knowledge allows for better prevention, more targeted interventions, and a more compassionate public understanding of a deeply challenging disorder. 

Knowing that online addiction strikes a younger group with less mental health history, how must we radically change our outreach to find and help this hidden population before it’s too late?

How do you view gambling disorder after reading this article? Let us know in the comments!

Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.

Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.

Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.

Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

When you picture someone with a gambling disorder, a specific image might come to mind. But what if that stereotype is outdated and dangerously incomplete?

A groundbreaking new study from an innovative program in Madrid called ‘Adcom’ reveals that the digital age is forging a new, more complex, and more hidden type of gambling addict. This research, based on hundreds of individuals who sought help voluntarily. And it challenges our most common assumptions about who is affected and why. 

This article shares the most impactful and counter-intuitive findings from this research.

Prepare to see what gambling addiction really looks like today.

1. It’s Rarely Just About Gambling: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis

One of the study’s most critical findings is the extremely high rate at which Gambling Disorder co-occurs with other serious mental health conditions.

This situation, known as “Gambling Dual Disorder (GDD),” suggests that gambling is not an isolated issue. It’s a symptom of a much larger mental health struggle. 

Among the participants who self-referred for a gambling problem, the numbers were stark: 

• 57.4% showed evidence of other psychopathological symptoms. 
• 64.9% experienced significant symptoms of depression.
• 51.3% were at risk for an anxiety disorder.
• 37.4% screened positive for ADHD.

This reframes gambling not as a simple lack of willpower, but as a complex disorder deeply intertwined with a person’s overall mental well-being. To be effective, treatment cannot just focus on the gambling; it must address these co-occurring conditions as well. 

Gambling Disorder can be defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress”.

Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?

Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!

2. The Digital Divide: Online and Offline People with Gambling Disorder Are Strikingly Different People

This complex mental health picture becomes even more fragmented when we look at where the gambling happens. A divide that is creating two entirely different profiles of addiction.

The study revealed significant and clear differences between online gambling versus those who struggled with offline gambling. The most compelling demographic contrasts paint a clear picture: 

• Age: The average online gambler was 30.6 years old, a full generation younger than the average offline gambler at 43.4 years old.
• Gender: While men were the majority in both groups, the disparity was much greater online. Only 5.3% of online gamblers were female, compared to 20.5% of offline gamblers.
• Prior Treatment: Individuals with offline gambling problems were far more likely to have previously sought help for a mental health issue (62.1%) than those with online problems (42.9%). 

These differences are profound.

Technology has fractured the landscape of addiction. It’s created a younger, more isolated cohort that is harder to reach.

The fact that this online group has had significantly less prior contact with mental health services suggests a new, underserved population. A population that may not be captured by traditional outreach and may be less aware of their own underlying conditions.

More About Gambling Disorder

• Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

  New Adcom study reveals gambling disorder today: high mental-health overlap, online/offline differences, compulsive buying link, and key predictors.

  January 20, 2026

• 5 Hidden Ways the Gambling Industry Engineers Harm

  A health lens reveals how the gambling industry engineers harm: blame-shifting “responsible gambling,” addictive design, and policy capture fueling crisis.

  January 6, 2026

• Holiday Gambling: Why You Bet Matters More Than How Much

  Are you planning to do a little gambling this holiday on a football game? Why you bet is more important than how much, according to this new study.

  December 23, 2025

3. A Shocking Connection: Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Buying Go Hand-in-Hand

Perhaps the single most surprising finding was the powerful link between Gambling Disorder and another behavioral addiction: compulsive buying.

The study found that compulsive buying was a potential problem in an astonishing 85.2% of participants. 

Breaking this down even further, for 57.7% of the entire group, the existence of a compulsive buying problem was considered “very probable/sure.” 

This is highly counter-intuitive.

While both behaviors involve money, they are often viewed as completely separate issues. This powerful correlation is not just a quirky finding. It’s evidence that Gambling Disorder may be part of a broader spectrum of impulse-control disorders rooted in similar neurological pathways. It highlights a shared underlying mechanism related to the brain’s reward system and the cycle of financial distress and emotional coping.

4. Your Background and Other Vices Can Predict How You Gamble

The study went beyond simple descriptions to identify factors that could predict whether a person was more likely to struggle with online versus offline gambling. This analysis revealed a complex interplay of cultural factors, lifestyle, and co-occurring disorders that shape a person’s specific addictive behaviors. 

The research identified several key predictors: 

• Being born in Spain increased the odds of having an online gambling problem by more than five times.
• Excessive Internet use nearly tripled the odds of having an online gambling problem.
• Conversely, having a co-occurring alcohol addiction or an eating disorder significantly reduced the odds of having an online problem, making it far more likely the gambling problem was offline.

These points reveal that the specific form an addiction takes is not random. It is shaped by a combination of a person’s environment, other behaviors, and personal history.

Conclusion: A New Call for Awareness of Gambling Disorder

The message from this research is clear: the digital age has forged a new profile of gambling addiction that is younger, more hidden, and more complex. The old stereotypes simply don’t fit the modern reality. 

Innovative programs like Adcom, which lower the barriers to seeking help, are not only crucial for providing treatment but also for gathering the vital data needed to truly understand the problem. This new knowledge allows for better prevention, more targeted interventions, and a more compassionate public understanding of a deeply challenging disorder. 

Knowing that online addiction strikes a younger group with less mental health history, how must we radically change our outreach to find and help this hidden population before it’s too late?

How do you view gambling disorder after reading this article? Let us know in the comments!

Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.

Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.

Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.

Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

When you picture someone with a gambling disorder, a specific image might come to mind. But what if that stereotype is outdated and dangerously incomplete?

A groundbreaking new study from an innovative program in Madrid called ‘Adcom’ reveals that the digital age is forging a new, more complex, and more hidden type of gambling addict. This research, based on hundreds of individuals who sought help voluntarily. And it challenges our most common assumptions about who is affected and why. 

This article shares the most impactful and counter-intuitive findings from this research.

Prepare to see what gambling addiction really looks like today.

1. It’s Rarely Just About Gambling: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis

One of the study’s most critical findings is the extremely high rate at which Gambling Disorder co-occurs with other serious mental health conditions.

This situation, known as “Gambling Dual Disorder (GDD),” suggests that gambling is not an isolated issue. It’s a symptom of a much larger mental health struggle. 

Among the participants who self-referred for a gambling problem, the numbers were stark: 

• 57.4% showed evidence of other psychopathological symptoms. 
• 64.9% experienced significant symptoms of depression.
• 51.3% were at risk for an anxiety disorder.
• 37.4% screened positive for ADHD.

This reframes gambling not as a simple lack of willpower, but as a complex disorder deeply intertwined with a person’s overall mental well-being. To be effective, treatment cannot just focus on the gambling; it must address these co-occurring conditions as well. 

Gambling Disorder can be defined as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling that leads to significant impairment or distress”.

Are you a professional looking to stay up-to-date with the latest information on, sex addiction, trauma, and mental health news and research? Or maybe you’re looking for continuing education courses?

Stay up-to-date with all of Dr. Jen’s work through her practice’s newsletter!

2. The Digital Divide: Online and Offline People with Gambling Disorder Are Strikingly Different People

This complex mental health picture becomes even more fragmented when we look at where the gambling happens. A divide that is creating two entirely different profiles of addiction.

The study revealed significant and clear differences between online gambling versus those who struggled with offline gambling. The most compelling demographic contrasts paint a clear picture: 

• Age: The average online gambler was 30.6 years old, a full generation younger than the average offline gambler at 43.4 years old.
• Gender: While men were the majority in both groups, the disparity was much greater online. Only 5.3% of online gamblers were female, compared to 20.5% of offline gamblers.
• Prior Treatment: Individuals with offline gambling problems were far more likely to have previously sought help for a mental health issue (62.1%) than those with online problems (42.9%). 

These differences are profound.

Technology has fractured the landscape of addiction. It’s created a younger, more isolated cohort that is harder to reach.

The fact that this online group has had significantly less prior contact with mental health services suggests a new, underserved population. A population that may not be captured by traditional outreach and may be less aware of their own underlying conditions.

More About Gambling Disorder

• Gambling Disorder: 4 Truths from a Groundbreaking New Study

  New Adcom study reveals gambling disorder today: high mental-health overlap, online/offline differences, compulsive buying link, and key predictors.

  January 20, 2026

• 5 Hidden Ways the Gambling Industry Engineers Harm

  A health lens reveals how the gambling industry engineers harm: blame-shifting “responsible gambling,” addictive design, and policy capture fueling crisis.

  January 6, 2026

• Holiday Gambling: Why You Bet Matters More Than How Much

  Are you planning to do a little gambling this holiday on a football game? Why you bet is more important than how much, according to this new study.

  December 23, 2025

3. A Shocking Connection: Gambling Disorder and Compulsive Buying Go Hand-in-Hand

Perhaps the single most surprising finding was the powerful link between Gambling Disorder and another behavioral addiction: compulsive buying.

The study found that compulsive buying was a potential problem in an astonishing 85.2% of participants. 

Breaking this down even further, for 57.7% of the entire group, the existence of a compulsive buying problem was considered “very probable/sure.” 

This is highly counter-intuitive.

While both behaviors involve money, they are often viewed as completely separate issues. This powerful correlation is not just a quirky finding. It’s evidence that Gambling Disorder may be part of a broader spectrum of impulse-control disorders rooted in similar neurological pathways. It highlights a shared underlying mechanism related to the brain’s reward system and the cycle of financial distress and emotional coping.

4. Your Background and Other Vices Can Predict How You Gamble

The study went beyond simple descriptions to identify factors that could predict whether a person was more likely to struggle with online versus offline gambling. This analysis revealed a complex interplay of cultural factors, lifestyle, and co-occurring disorders that shape a person’s specific addictive behaviors. 

The research identified several key predictors: 

• Being born in Spain increased the odds of having an online gambling problem by more than five times.
• Excessive Internet use nearly tripled the odds of having an online gambling problem.
• Conversely, having a co-occurring alcohol addiction or an eating disorder significantly reduced the odds of having an online problem, making it far more likely the gambling problem was offline.

These points reveal that the specific form an addiction takes is not random. It is shaped by a combination of a person’s environment, other behaviors, and personal history.

Conclusion: A New Call for Awareness of Gambling Disorder

The message from this research is clear: the digital age has forged a new profile of gambling addiction that is younger, more hidden, and more complex. The old stereotypes simply don’t fit the modern reality. 

Innovative programs like Adcom, which lower the barriers to seeking help, are not only crucial for providing treatment but also for gathering the vital data needed to truly understand the problem. This new knowledge allows for better prevention, more targeted interventions, and a more compassionate public understanding of a deeply challenging disorder. 

Knowing that online addiction strikes a younger group with less mental health history, how must we radically change our outreach to find and help this hidden population before it’s too late?

How do you view gambling disorder after reading this article? Let us know in the comments!

Have you found yourself in legal trouble due to your sexual behavior? Seek assistance before the court mandates it, with Sexual Addiction Treatment Services.

Do you feel your sexual behavior, or that of someone you love, is out of control? Then you should consult with a professional.

Are you looking for more reputable data-backed information on sexual addiction? The Mitigation Aide Research Archive is an excellent source for executive summaries of research studies.