A new study has shed light on the significant impact of internet addiction on the brains of teenagers. The research suggests that young people with internet addiction experience changes in their brain chemistry which could lead to more addictive behaviours.
The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed a dozen articles involving 237 adolescents aged between 10 and 19 diagnosed with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023. The studies relied on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine how regions of the brain interact in people with internet addiction both at rest and during internet use.
The study authors defined internet addiction as persistent preoccupation with the internet, withdrawal symptoms when offline, and sacrificing relationships for more internet time over an extended period.
Findings of the Study
The findings exposed notable changes in multiple neural networks within the brains of adolescents suffering from an internet addiction. They found 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 researchers noted a link between these alterations and addictive behaviours and tendencies among adolescents. They also observed other changes that appeared to affect intellectual ability, physical coordination, mental health, and development.
The study also highlighted other potential adverse behavioural and developmental consequences stemming from internet addiction, such as:
- Trouble maintaining relationships
- Dishonesty about online activity
- Irregular eating and sleeping patterns
A Growing Source of Concern
The study authors noted that the behavioural addiction brought on by excessive internet use has become a rising source of concern since the last decade.
Max Chang, the lead author of the study stressed how vulnerable adolescents are at this time, saying that adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which people undergo significant changes in their biology, cognition, and personalities. As a result, the brain is particularly susceptible to internet addiction-related urges during this time, such as compulsive internet usage and cravings towards media consumption.
He compared internet addiction to substance and gambling disorders, noting that it rewires the brain, making it harder to resist internet-related stimuli. However, unlike gambling or substance usage, the internet is an important part of our lives. Balancing the usefulness and dangers of the internet is a field that is very crucial going forward in adolescent development, he noted.
Preventive Measures
The study’s authors concluded with a call for a more proactive approach to tackle the growing issue of internet addiction among adolescents, highlighting the need for awareness, prevention, and better intervention strategies.
Apart from treating internet addiction, some preventive measures can be taken such as:
- Setting Time Limits
Set up a timer in the smartphone that will tell that you’ve reached the amount of time that you’re allowed to use for the day on that particular site or app.
- Taking breaks
Take breaks between phone usage and avoid using it for too long at a stretch.
- Choosing healthier activities
Rather than mindlessly scrolling on the phone you can read a book, exercise, do gardening or spend time with your loved ones.
- Establishing no-phone zones
Setting time periods when you don’t use your phone is another way to limit screen time. You can also implement rules as not allowing phones in dining rooms or reading rooms during certain hours.
- Turning off notifications
Switching off unnecessary notifications can help limit temptations that lead to minutes or hours of unintended screen time.
Leave a Comment