BACKGROUND: General executive functions and decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control may be relevant factors for the development and maintenance of problematic social network use (PSNU). Related predisposing variables that are risk factors for PSNU may include self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, or impulsivity, and as a result, social networks (SN) may be habitually utilized, which can manifest over time. Theoretical models suggest that interactions between predisposing factors and PSNU may influence neurocognitive deficits during problematic behavior. Therefore, we investigate possible interaction effects of SN use type (PSNU vs. non-problematic use) and predisposing factors on the expression of cognitive control mechanisms.

METHOD: In a laboratory setting, 227 participants were assigned to the group with PSNU (n = 118), or the control group (n = 109) using a structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-5 criteria for gaming disorder, modified for PSNU. General executive functions were examined with the Stroop task, the Modified Card Sorting Test and the Game of Dice Task; stimulus-specific inhibitory control with the Go/No-Go task. Self-directedness, ADHD symptoms, impulsivity and habitual SN use were determined by questionnaires.

RESULTS: The SN use type (PSNU/non-problematic use) interacted with non-planning impulsivity in predicting impaired interference control, with ADHD symptoms in predicting cognitive inflexibility, and with habitual SN use in predicting decreased stimulus-specific inhibitory control.

CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in executive functioning in individuals with PSNU are specifically present in interaction with trait impulsivity and related variables. These results emphasize the need for multidimensional assessments that consider both cognitive and individual risk factors, paving the way for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.