Young people with internet addiction experience changes in their brain chemistry that can lead to more addictive behavior, research suggests.
The studypublished in PLOS Mental Health, reviews previous research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine how regions of the brain interact in people with Internet addiction.
They found that the effects were visible through various neural networks in the brains of young people, and that there was increased activity in parts of the brain when participants were resting.
At the same time, there was an overall decrease in the functional connectivity in parts of the brain involved in active thinking, which is the executive control network of the brain responsible for memory and decision making.
The research found that these changes led to addictive behaviors and tendencies in adolescents, as well as behavioral changes related to mental health, development, intellectual ability and physical coordination.
The researchers reviewed 12 previous studies involving 237 10- to 19-year-olds with a formal diagnosis of Internet addiction between 2013 and 2023.
Almost half of British teenagers said they feel addicted to social mediaaccording to a survey this year.
Max Chang, the study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), said: “Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which people go through significant changes in their biology, cognition and personalities go.
“As a result, the brain is particularly vulnerable to Internet addiction-related urges during this time, such as compulsive Internet use, urges to use the mouse or keyboard, and media consumption.
“The findings of our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioral and developmental changes that can affect the lives of adolescents. For example, they may struggle to maintain relationships and social activities, lie about online activity and experience irregular eating and disrupted sleep.”
Chang added that he hopes the findings demonstrate “how internet addiction changes the connection between the brain networks in adolescence”, which will then allow early signs of internet addiction to be effectively treated.
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He added: “Clinicians may prescribe treatment to target certain brain regions or suggest psychotherapy or family therapy that targets key symptoms of internet addiction.
“Importantly, parental education about internet addiction is another possible way of prevention from a public health point of view. Parents who are aware of the early signs and onset of internet addiction will deal more effectively with screen time, impulsivity and minimize the risk factors surrounding internet addiction. “
Irene Lee, a senior author of the research paper who is also based at CIS ICH, said: “There is no doubt that the Internet has certain advantages. However, when it starts to affect our daily lives, it’s a problem.
“We would advise that young people enforce sensible time limits for their daily internet use and ensure that they are aware of the psychological and social implications of spending too much time online.”
