San Francisco, California – A recent study has shed light on the impact of excessive internet use on teenagers, particularly those diagnosed with internet addiction. The study, published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, analyzed 12 neuroimaging studies involving hundreds of adolescents aged 10 to 19 from 2013 to 2022.
Researchers found that teenagers with internet addiction exhibited disrupted signaling between brain regions responsible for attention, working memory, and more. These findings highlight the growing concern surrounding behavioral addiction resulting from excessive internet use.
Max Chang, the first author of the study and outreach case manager at the nonprofit Peninsula Family Service in San Francisco, emphasized the importance of understanding the effects of internet addiction on adolescent brains, especially given the differences between adolescent and adult brains.
The study revealed that adolescents diagnosed with internet addiction showed significant disruptions in brain regions involved in executive functions such as attention, planning, decision-making, and impulse control, compared to their peers without internet addiction. These findings suggest that these behaviors may become more challenging to perform, potentially impacting development and overall well-being.
Dr. David Ellis, a behavioral scientist at the University of Bath’s Institute for Digital Security and Behaviour, raised important concerns about the limitations of the study. He noted that while the study showed associations between brain functional connectivity and internet addiction, drawing cause-and-effect conclusions from these findings is challenging.
Internet addiction is not officially recognized in the United States’ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), although internet gaming disorder is listed. The studies reviewed in the research were predominantly conducted in Asia and primarily included male participants. China was the first country to declare internet addiction a “public health crisis.”
Experts suggest that behaviors such as withdrawal from relationships can serve as warning signs of internet addiction in teenagers. Finding a balance between the benefits and risks of internet use is crucial for adolescent development, as internet addiction can have detrimental effects on the brain’s neural pathways related to addiction.
If a teenager is struggling with internet addiction, seeking behavioral strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing can be beneficial. In severe cases, medication may be recommended to address certain types of technology addiction. Additionally, limiting screen time, taking breaks, and avoiding excessive scrolling on the internet are among the preventive measures suggested by experts.
The American Psychiatric Association has recognized technology addiction as an important topic for its presidential initiative for 2023 to 2024, aiming to provide resources and support to families navigating the challenges of technology-related addiction.