Internet Addiction Alters Brain Chemistry in Young People, Study Finds

Young people with internet addiction experience changes in their brain chemistry that could lead to more addictive behaviors, according to new research. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed previous research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine how regions of the brain interact in individuals with internet addiction.

The findings revealed that the effects were evident throughout multiple neural networks in the brains of young people. Increased activity was noted in certain parts of the brain when participants were at rest. At the same time, there was an overall decrease in the functional connectivity of brain areas involved in active thinking, specifically the executive control network responsible for memory and decision-making.

These changes were linked 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 individuals aged 10 to 19 who had been formally diagnosed with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023.

According to a survey conducted this year, nearly half of British teenagers reported feeling addicted to social media.

Max Chang, the study’s lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), stated, "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 vulnerable to internet addiction-related urges during this time, such as compulsive internet usage, cravings towards the use of the mouse or keyboard, and consuming media."

Chang added, "The findings from our study show that this can lead to potentially negative behavioral and developmental changes that could impact 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."

He also emphasized the importance of understanding how internet addiction alters the connection between brain networks during adolescence, which could enable effective early intervention. "Clinicians could potentially prescribe treatments targeting specific brain regions or suggest psychotherapy or family therapy to address key symptoms of internet addiction. Importantly, parental education on internet addiction is another possible avenue of prevention from a public health standpoint. Parents who are aware of the early signs and onset of internet addiction will more effectively handle screen time, impulsivity, and minimize risk factors surrounding internet addiction."

Irene Lee, a senior author of the research paper and also based at GOS ICH, said, "There is no doubt that the internet has certain advantages. However, when it begins to affect our day-to-day lives, it becomes a problem. We would advise that young people enforce sensible time limits for their daily internet usage and ensure they are aware of the psychological and social implications of spending too much time online."

The study underscores the importance of raising awareness about the potential impacts of internet addiction on young people and the need for strategies to manage internet use effectively. By recognizing the signs of internet addiction early and implementing appropriate interventions, it may be possible to mitigate its negative effects and support healthier development in adolescents.