Internet addiction is a growing concern among young people, with new research suggesting that it can alter brain chemistry and lead to further addictive behaviors. A study published in PLOS Mental Health utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the impact of internet addiction on the brain.

The study revealed that young individuals with internet addiction exhibited changes in multiple neural networks within their brains. These changes were characterized by increased activity in certain brain regions during rest periods, along with a decrease in functional connectivity in areas responsible for active thinking, such as memory and decision-making.

According to the researchers, these alterations in brain chemistry contributed to addictive behaviors and tendencies in adolescents. Additionally, the changes were linked to shifts in mental health, cognitive development, intellectual abilities, and physical coordination.

The study analyzed data from 12 previous studies involving 237 individuals aged 10 to 19 who had been diagnosed with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023. Notably, a recent survey found that nearly half of British teenagers admitted feeling addicted to social media.

Max Chang, the lead author of the study and an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), emphasized the vulnerability of adolescents to internet addiction during crucial developmental stages. He highlighted that compulsive internet usage during this period could lead to negative behavioral and developmental consequences, impacting the lives of young individuals.

These findings underscore the importance of recognizing and addressing internet addiction in young people to prevent potential long-term effects on their well-being and development.