A recent study published in Behavioural Brain Research has revealed a significant connection between symptoms of love addiction and persistent problems with memory, attention, and cognitive performance in everyday life. The research, conducted with 600 adult participants, paints a complex picture of how intense emotional dependence in romantic relationships—along with heavy social media use—may harm mental clarity and well-being, with important implications for Thai readers as digital habits and relationship expectations evolve (PsyPost).
Love addiction, though often overlooked in clinical settings, refers to a compulsive pattern of thoughts and behaviors fixated on a romantic partner. It is typically characterized by uncontrollable urges to maintain the relationship, mood swings, distress when apart from a partner, and obsessive rumination. Researchers describe its symptoms as akin to those seen in substance addictions, notably involving emotional instability, lost self-control, and a constant craving for attention or reassurance from a partner. The current study expands on this understanding by investigating how such emotional attachments spill over into people’s daily ability to remember, concentrate, and function effectively.
The study surveyed Italian adults aged 18 and older, most of whom had university degrees and fell into the young adult age bracket of 26–35 years. Participants completed standardized assessments measuring anxiety, depression, resilience, social media use, and a checklist of cognitive lapses like forgetting tasks or losing focus at work or home. Notably, respondents who reported moderate to severe love addiction symptoms were also much more likely to describe frequent memory failures, task incompletion, and attention problems.
The researchers identified that even mild love addiction symptoms were associated with noticeably worse subjective cognitive functioning. Those in this group reported elevated anxiety and depression, and data analysis confirmed that distressing emotions—particularly anxiety and depression—were the key mediators between love addiction and complaints about cognitive difficulties. In other words, the emotional turbulence of obsessive love appears to directly worsen mental health, which in turn makes people feel less mentally capable.
Crucially, the study demonstrates a strong link between frequent social media use and higher levels of love addiction. Digital platforms amplify the ability to monitor, message, and constantly think about romantic partners, potentially intensifying dependency dynamics and emotional insecurity. Regardless of age, gender, or education, those spending more time online exhibited greater love addiction symptoms and, through their heightened emotional distress, a greater tendency to perceive memory and attention problems. This finding is particularly relevant to Thailand, where over 52 million people actively use social media—a figure steadily climbing every year (DataReportal).
Additional findings indicated that people struggling with compulsive romantic attachments were less likely to have higher educational backgrounds, showed lower resilience, and used less effective coping strategies. They also reported higher rates of current psychotropic medication use and prior psychological issues. However, even after excluding those with formally diagnosed psychiatric disorders, the correlation between love addiction and cognitive complaints remained robust.
The survey’s methodology relied on self-reports, meaning that participants’ perceptions of their own cognitive struggles may not precisely match objective test results. However, experts note that such subjective complaints can serve as valuable early indicators of future cognitive or emotional difficulties. Early awareness and intervention are crucial, especially in a Thai context where issues of mental health stigma, societal pressure to conform in relationships, and the prevalence of “monitoring” partners online intersect in a uniquely challenging way.
A psychology professor involved in similar studies explains: “Intense emotional distress—whether caused by romantic instability or digital overexposure—clouds how individuals interpret their own mental performance. Over time, this can spiral into genuine difficulty coping at home or work.” Another clinical psychologist specializing in addiction and relationship dynamics adds: “The emotional pain tied to love addiction is very real and sometimes overwhelming. Societal expectations, both in the West and in Asian contexts like Thailand, can sustain harmful relationship patterns and discourage people, especially women, from seeking help early.”
The study’s findings dovetail with rising concerns about digital relationships and mental health in Thailand. Thai experts from leading universities regularly caution against the psychological fallout of online romantic surveillance, cyber-jealousy, and the pressure to curate idealized relationships for social media audiences. Public health surveys have already documented increases in anxiety and depression among young Thais—factors now shown to compound the cognitive impact of love addiction (Bangkok Post).
Thailand’s deep-rooted cultural emphasis on family harmony and enduring romantic bonds is both a source of resilience and a potential risk factor. Traditional concepts like “rak tae” (true love) and “phuen sanook” (socializing as a couple) are cherished nationwide, yet they can sometimes pressure individuals to remain in emotionally unhealthy relationships. Combined with near-universal smartphone access and the rapid growth of TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook platforms, these social dynamics create fertile ground for the development—and suffering—associated with love addiction.
Looking forward, the study’s authors recommend a three-pronged approach to address the risks: early identification of cognitive and emotional symptoms linked to relationship distress; expanded education in digital literacy and healthy relationship boundaries; and mental health interventions—from counseling to online awareness campaigns—tailored to younger adults and frequent social media users. The research encourages individuals to reflect on how digital behaviors may be amplifying emotional insecurity or relationship-focused rumination, and stresses that addressing anxiety and depression is likely the most effective way to alleviate associated cognitive complaints.
The potential for this research to inform Thai mental health policy and practices is considerable. If subjective cognitive difficulties associated with love addiction serve as early warning signs, schools and workplaces could incorporate simple self-assessment screeners into wellness programs. Health professionals might prioritize treatments that target emotion regulation—such as mindfulness-based therapies or resilience training—for those at risk. Digital platforms could work in partnership with Thai educators and health authorities to develop public service campaigns highlighting the dangers of obsessive online monitoring and emotional dependency.
For readers seeking practical steps, experts suggest limiting screen time devoted to partner surveillance or relationship-related content, actively cultivating offline interests and friendships, and seeking professional support when emotional distress grows overwhelming. Parents and educators are encouraged to discuss the realities of both digital romance and emotional independence with teens and young adults, normalizing conversations around these issues.
The authors acknowledge certain limitations: their sample was not gender-balanced; recruitment via social media may have favored those already highly engaged online; and the sole use of self-reports means further research is needed to clarify objective cognitive changes. Nevertheless, by linking emotional distress, social media use, and cognitive self-perception in the context of love addiction, this study provides vital new insights for individuals, families, and mental health professionals across Thailand.
As the lines between digital life and romantic relationships blur, the Thai public is urged to recognize the warning signs of emotional dependency, seek help without stigma, and consciously shape relationship norms that protect both mental clarity and personal well-being.
For further reading and support, readers are encouraged to consult resources from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health, university counseling centers, and reputable online health platforms. Early intervention, digital literacy, and emotional support remain the best countermeasures—ensuring Thai love stories are enriching rather than overwhelming.
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