A new study shows that teens who are addicted to the internet have brain changes that could make them more likely to become addicted to other things.
The study looked at the brain function of 237 teens and young adults (10-19 years old) who were identified with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023. It was done by researchers at University College London (UCL).
What is Internet Addiction? How Does it Affect People?
When someone is addicted to the internet, they can't stop using it, which hurts their mental health and messes up their social, academic, and work lives. The PLOS Mental Health paper from UCL reviewed 12 studies that used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to look at the brains of youngsters addicted to the internet.
As the study revealed, many brain networks were altered. For instance, there was more and less activity in the default mode network, which operates when nothing is done. However, the executive control network observed reduced functional connectivity and was responsible for actively deliberating and decision-making.
Changes like these were linked to bad habits and tendencies that hurt growth, mental health, IQ, and physical balance. Max Chang, the lead author from UCL, talked about how teenagers are especially vulnerable at this important growth stage.
Chang says that teens' brains are more easily affected by the emotions linked to internet addiction, which can lead to compulsive and excessive internet use. The study's results suggest that these brain differences could lead to major issues with behavior and growth.
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Alarming Effects on Behavior and Development
People who are addicted to the internet may have trouble keeping relationships, lying about what they do online, and not being able to sleep or eat at normal times, according to the study.
Because smartphones and computers are getting easier to get, the problem is getting worse. A recent study found that people in the UK spend more than 24 hours a week online.
Most people in the UK said they were hooked on the internet. Over half of the 50 million people who use the internet there believe it worsens their lives. Irene Lee, a senior author at UCL, said it was important to control how much time you spend online and know how it can affect your social life and mental health.
Chang thinks that the study will help doctors do a better job of finding and treating teens who are addicted to the internet. Some possible methods are focusing on certain parts of the brain, psychotherapy, or family therapy.
Chang also said that parents should learn about internet addiction so that they can limit their kids' screen time and lower risk factors. It's time to take action to stop teens from becoming addicted to the internet, says the study. More needs to be done to raise awareness, prevent teens from becoming addicted, and improve rescue methods.
Dealing with this issue immediately is even more crucial because of the concerning increase in teen internet addiction and its significant consequences on behavior and brain function. Lessening the negative impacts of internet addiction on young people's lives would be feasible if more individuals were aware of it and made use of efficient therapies.
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