No connection between internet and gambling addiction says study

The relationship between gambling and internet addiction has long been the subject of interest among psychologists. A new study conducted by the University of Melbourne is yet the latest research to be undertaken in the field and offers fascinating new insights into the connection between the disorders. The findings were published in the Rapid Communication in Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking – a highly regarded peer reviewed journal.

The study, which goes by the full title of "Commonalities in the Psychological Factors Associated with Problem Gambling and Internet Dependence" was undertaken by two scientists. Dr. NA Dowling (University of Melbourne) and M. Brown (Monash University) formulated the program together with a team of researchers.  Their findings suggest that there is no direct link between the two addictions and goes so far as to indicate that such problems may even affect different groups of individuals. Dowling and Brown’s research was conducted throughout the student campuses of Australian universities and questioned subjects about their gaming and internet practices. Whilst the research indicated that both internet and gambling addicts were prone to obsessive behaviour, it did not suggest that individuals were necessarily prone to both forms of addiction.

It is clear that the findings of the study will force many to re-evaluate what was an all too often assumed connection between gambling and internet misuse. Such research not only serves to complicate our understanding of addiction but also paves the way for greater support services to assist those afflicted. Many will be keen to push the results of the study even further as psychologists work harder than ever to reveal the workings of the human mind.