Addiction and Social Connectedness: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Exploring the critical link between addiction and social connectedness, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of over 3,122 articles from the Web of Science database (2018-2023). Using Vosviewer and R-bibliometrix, it reveals key trends in research productivity across countries, organizations, authors, and journals, while also mapping the recent trajectories and international collaborations in this field. Notably, the analysis identifies three primary research domains: substance abuse in marginalized groups, the rise of internet and social media addiction among youth, and the prevalence of smartphone addiction. This study not only demonstrates significant international collaboration, especially between the U.S. and Europe but also provides a comprehensive roadmap for future research, guiding policies and interventions to address addiction and enhance social connectedness. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the adverse effects of loneliness on mental health, particularly its impact on addiction. It notes how social connection can act as a protective and buffering effect in mitigating these adverse effects. Acknowledging certain limitations like database bias, the study recommends ongoing methodological improvements and the integration of more qualitative research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]