For many years, the scientific community has been warning about the consequences of intensive use of screens. Spending too much time in front of a computer or phone can increase stress, impact mood or encourage withdrawal. In a recent study published in the journal PLOS Mental HealthBritish researchers have noticed that Internet addiction could hinder the proper functioning of certain regions of the brain in adolescents.
The impact of Internet addiction on attention and decision-making
To reach this conclusion, scientists from University College London analyzed twelve neuroimaging studies involving adolescents suffering from Internet addiction.
They then observed that signaling is disrupted in regions of the brain, involved in multiple neural networks, in addicted adolescents. This disruption was particularly visible during activities governed by the brain’s executive control network, which requires attention, planning as well as decision-making, in young Internet addicts compared to other volunteers. “Such changes in signaling could mean that these behaviors may become more difficult to perform, which could potentially impact development and well-being,” noted the study leaders in a press release.
Future studies to better understand the impact of Internet addiction on the brain
However, these first results should be taken with perspective. As the British team explained, “current responses only paint an unfinished picture that does not necessarily portray Internet use as overwhelmingly positive or negative”. Further research is therefore needed to confirm the role of Internet addiction in changing the way the brain controls behaviors.
