Operant light self-administration in mice and its relevance to digital technology-based disorders

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Behavioral addictions share symptomatological features with substance addiction. From the associative learning perspective, these characteristics include excessive and unregulated self-administration of sensory and other reinforcers, potentially reflecting the transition from goal-directed actions (<jats:italic>action</jats:italic> → <jats:italic>outcome</jats:italic> associations) to habitual responses (<jats:italic>stimulus</jats:italic> → <jats:italic>response</jats:italic> associations). In laboratory mice, light stimulation at an optimal intensity possesses some incentive properties and a brief light pulse represents an effective reinforcer for persistent operant responding. The operant light self-administration paradigm with clearly defined sensory reinforcers and reinforcement schedules may be utilized to elucidate the general mechanisms of excessive habitual responding to seek non-drug and non-feeding cues in mice. This cross-species approach can shed light on some maladaptive habits that have emerged recently in our modern society, including digital technology-based disorders.</jats:p>