(Web Desk) — A recent study suggests that adolescents grappling with internet addiction may undergo alterations in brain chemistry, potentially leading to heightened susceptibility to addictive behaviors.
As reported by The Guardian, the research, published in PLOS Mental Health, utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scrutinize brain activity.
The results unveiled heightened activity in specific brain regions during periods of rest, coupled with diminished connectivity in areas associated with active cognition, impacting functions like memory and decision-making. These findings indicate that internet addiction could disrupt neural networks in young individuals’ brains, potentially fostering addictive behaviors and associated changes in mental health, cognitive development, intellectual capacity, and physical coordination.
Examining data from 12 prior studies encompassing 237 young participants aged 10 to 19, formally diagnosed with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023, researchers noted a concerning trend. Nearly half of British teenagers admitted to feeling addicted to social media, as per a recent survey.
Max Chang, the lead author and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), emphasized the vulnerability of the adolescent brain to internet addiction-related impulses. He highlighted behaviors like compulsive internet usage, cravings for mouse or keyboard interaction, and excessive media consumption, all of which can disrupt relationships, social activities, eating habits, and sleep patterns during this critical developmental stage.
Chang expressed hope that these findings would facilitate early identification and effective treatment of internet addiction through therapy. He stressed the significance of parental education in combating internet addiction, advocating for informed approaches to managing screen time, impulsivity, and minimizing associated risk factors.
In summary, the study underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to address internet addiction among adolescents, with a particular emphasis on early intervention and parental involvement to safeguard young individuals’ well-being in an increasingly digital age.
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