A recent study by researchers from University College London (UCL) has uncovered significant changes in the brains of adolescents with internet addiction, potentially leading to further addictive behaviours and tendencies. The findings, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction between 2013 and 2023.
DEFINING INTERNET ADDICTION
Internet addiction is characterized by an individual’s inability to resist the urge to use the internet, leading to detrimental effects on their psychological well-being, as well as their social, academic, and professional lives.
STUDY METHODOLOGY
The researchers employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to assess the functional connectivity—how different brain regions interact—of participants with internet addiction, both at rest and while completing tasks.
KEY FINDINGS
The study revealed notable changes throughout multiple neural networks in the brains of adolescents:
- Default Mode Network: There was a mixture of increased and decreased activity in the brain regions activated during rest.
- Executive Control Network: An overall decrease in functional connectivity was observed in the brain regions involved in active thinking.
These changes are linked to not only addictive behaviours but also alterations in intellectual ability, physical coordination, mental health, and overall development.
IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Max Chang, the lead author and an MSc student at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, highlighted the vulnerability of the adolescent brain to internet addiction-related urges during a crucial developmental stage. He noted:
“Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which people go through significant changes in their biology, cognition, and personalities. The brain is particularly vulnerable to internet addiction related urges during this time, such as compulsive internet usage, cravings towards usage of the mouse or keyboard, and consuming media.”
Chang emphasized the potential for negative behavioural and developmental changes, including difficulties in maintaining relationships, lying about online activity, and experiencing irregular eating and disrupted sleep.
THE GROWING PROBLEM OF INTERNET ADDICTION
With the increasing accessibility of smart phones and laptops, internet addiction has become a global concern. Previous research indicates that people in the UK spend over 24 hours online weekly, with more than half self-reporting internet addiction. Ofcom’s findings support this, revealing that over 60% of the UK’s 50 million internet users acknowledge the negative impact of their online habits on daily life.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Senior author Irene Lee from UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health warned of the adverse effects of excessive internet use, stating:
“There is no doubt that the internet has certain advantages. However, when it begins to affect our day-to-day lives, it is a problem. We would advise that young people enforce sensible time limits for their daily internet usage and ensure that they are aware of the psychological and social implications of spending too much time online.”
Chang added that the study’s findings could help physicians better screen and treat internet addiction by targeting specific brain regions or through psychotherapy or family therapy aimed at key symptoms. He also stressed the importance of parental education in preventing internet addiction:
“Parents who are aware of the early signs and onset of internet addiction will more effectively handle screen time, impulsivity, and minimize the risk factors surrounding internet addiction.”
The UCL study sheds light on the profound impact of internet addiction on the adolescent brain, underlining the importance of awareness, early intervention, and balanced internet usage. As internet use continues to grow, understanding and addressing the neurological and behavioural implications will be crucial in safeguarding the well-being of the younger generation.
