Alterations of the default mode network, salience network, and frontoparietal network in non-problematic Internet use and their association with mood regulation: from an internet literacy perspective
Mami Shibata, Kosuke Tsurumi, Kei Kobayashi, Sayaka Yoshimura, Michael Spantios, Naoya Oishi, Toshiya Murai, Hironobu Fujiwara
Frontiers in Neuroscience July 1, 2025 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2025.1599987 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational cohort Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 119 |
| Population | Healthy volunteers |
| Topics | Default mode network |
| Key findings | Non-problematic internet use is associated with altered resting-state functional connectivity between the salience, central executive, and default mode networks, with correlations opposite to those seen in problematic internet use. |
Abstract
IntroductionAlthough a number of neuroimaging studies on problematic internet use (PIU) have been conducted, few studies on non-problematic internet use (non-PIU) are available; therefore, the influences of non-PIU on brain function are unclear. Resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) could be an appropriate tool to investigate subclinical samples, such as non-PIU, to capture the potentially subtle changes compared to clinical samples. In the context of rsFC, the default mode network (DMN), the central executive network (CEN), and the salience network (SN) are representative of the brain networks. Because accumulating studies have investigated rsFC between these networks in PIU samples, investigating rsFC between these networks in non-PIU samples could give us a clue to elucidate the neural basis of non-PIU in relation to those of PIU.MethodsWe recruited 119 healthy volunteers and used the General Problematic Internet Use Scale-2 (GPIUS-2) to measure their propensity to use the Internet. The GPIUS-2 consists of four subscales. We analyzed the correlation between the degree of Internet use assessed by the GPIUS-2 and the rsFC of the regions comprising DMN, CEN, and SN using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging in non-PIU samples.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between the mood regulation subscale score and SN (bilateral anterior insula) – CEN (left lateral prefrontal cortex: LPFC), SN (left anterior insula) – DMN (medial prefrontal cortex: MPFC), and DMN (MPFC) – CEN (right LPFC) rsFC. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the mood regulation subscale score and DMN – FPN rsFC.DiscussionThe correlations between rsFC and non-PIU suggest that non-PIU and PIU could influence rsFC in opposite directions. Furthermore, the hub regions comprising connections correlated with non-PIU in this study are involved in cognitive and emotional processes. One possible interpretation would be that the bilateral insula and synchronized LPFC activity in individuals with non-PIU results in well-functioning emotion regulation as an appropriate coping strategy, in contrast to PIU. These findings suggest that non-PIU might contribute to health promotion through mood regulation with alterations in the functional connectivity between the regions involved in mood regulation.
Comparable studies
Other observational and cohort studies on default mode network, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| A default mode of brain function Normal adult human brain | 2001 | Observational study | |
| Resting-State Functional Connectivity Reflects Structural Connectivity in the Default Mode Network Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational cohort | |
| Meditation experience is associated with increased cortical thickness Participants with extensive Insight meditation experience and matched controls | 2005 | Observational cohort | n = 20 |
| Meditation experience is associated with differences in default mode network activity and connectivity Experienced meditators and matched meditation-naive controls | 2011 | Observational cohort | |
| The precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the default mode network: Evidence from a partial correlation network analysis Healthy subjects | 2008 | Observational study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 2
- Controlling the Triple Network Model: Salience Network Modulatory Roles, Default Mode Dynamic Functions, and Central Executive Network Heterogeneity Journal of Integrative Neuroscience August 26, 2026
- The development of mindfulness in martial art kendo players: AfMRI analysis of the triple network. Scientific Reports December 21, 2025
Cites 4
- Experience sampling during fMRI reveals default network and executive system contributions to mind wandering. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 26, 2009
- Resting-state fMRI functional connectivity and mindfulness in clinical and non-clinical contexts: A review and synthesis. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews February 22, 2022
- The prestimulus default mode network state predicts cognitive task performance levels on a mental rotation task. Brain and Behavior June 22, 2018
- Short-term meditation increases blood flow in anterior cingulate cortex and insula. Frontiers in Psychology 2015