San Francisco, California – Teenagers worldwide have voiced concerns about their struggles with internet addiction and its impact on their ability to focus on tasks such as homework or spending time with loved ones. A recent study delved into this issue, examining the effects of excessive internet use on the brains of adolescents diagnosed with internet addiction.
Published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, the study reviewed 12 neuroimaging studies involving hundreds of adolescents aged 10 to 19 between 2013 and 2022. The researchers highlighted the growing concern over behavioral addiction stemming from increased internet usage in the past decade.
According to Max Chang, the first author of the study and an outreach case manager at the nonprofit Peninsula Family Service, the clinical diagnosis of internet addiction was characterized by persistent preoccupation with the internet, withdrawal symptoms when not online, and sacrificing real-life relationships for excessive internet use over an extended period.
The study found disruptions in the signaling between brain regions crucial for attention, working memory, and executive functions in teenagers diagnosed with internet addiction. This interference could impact their ability to perform tasks requiring attention, planning, decision-making, and impulse control, potentially affecting their overall well-being and development.
Despite these findings, Dr. David Ellis, a behavioral scientist at the University of Bath, cautioned against drawing definitive cause-and-effect conclusions from the study. He emphasized the limitations in diagnosing internet addiction and the complexity of measuring its impact on individuals, especially given the diverse activities facilitated by the internet.
Experts highlighted the challenges in understanding internet addiction, stressing the need to balance the benefits and risks associated with online activities, particularly for adolescents. Dr. Eva Telzer, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina, underscored the lack of longitudinal data in the studies, suggesting that underlying brain connectivity differences could predispose some adolescents to internet addiction.
Addressing ways to overcome internet addiction, experts recommended behavioral strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford Medicine, emphasized the importance of addressing underlying mental health conditions while managing technology addiction in adolescents.
The American Psychiatric Association has recognized technology addiction as a pressing issue, prompting initiatives to provide resources and support for families grappling with internet-related challenges. The ongoing debate surrounding internet addiction underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to address the mental health implications of excessive internet use.