Problematic Mobile Phone Use Related Changes in Topological Organization of Functional Brain Networks

Background: The functional networks of the human brain show complex topological properties globally and locally, and they can be parametrized as hubness, modularity, or small-worldness. In addition of many types, previous studies demonstrated that addiction could lead to changes in these functional network topologies. Problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) refers to psychological or behavioral dependence on mobile phones, rendering some individuals prone to exaggerated use exhibiting core symptoms akin to addiction. However, the impact of PMPU on the topological organization of functional brain networks remains unclear. This study aimed to address this issue in a healthy population.
Methods: The study acquired 3T resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from 78 subclinical subjects. Graph theory-based network analyses were employed to examine alterations in the topological organization of functional brain networks. Participants' PMPU degrees were evaluated using the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale short version (MPPUS-10). Correlational analyses were conducted between small-world properties and PMPU while controlling for age and sex.
Results: The results revealed that the functional brain networks of the subjects exhibited characteristic topographical properties globally and locally. MPPUS-10 scores were negatively correlated with the clustering coefficient (r = -0.325, p = 0.004) and network local efficiency (r = -0.273, p = 0.0156). Furthermore, the nodal clustering coefficient of the left gyrus rectus, left hippocampus, and right inferior temporal gyrus exhibited negative correlations with MPPUS. The nodal local efficiency of the left gyrus rectus and right inferior temporal gyrus also showed negative correlations with MPPUS.
Conclusion: Prolonged mobile phone use may alter the topological organization of the brain's functional network globally and locally. Locally, basal-temporal structures subserving ventral visual pathway might be preferentially involved in this alteration.