Can implicit associations and approach-avoidance tendencies be observed in both problematic social network use and tobacco use disorder? Evidence from a laboratory study

Highlights • Diagnostic interview grouped subjects into PSNU, risky, control and TUD groups.• PSNU and risky group showed higher positive implicit associations (IAT) than TUD group.• IAT differences were not robust after controlling for age and psychopathology.• No group differences in approach-avoidance tendencies.• Implicit cognitions in PSNU may emerge early and be context-dependent.