Amy BA
June 6, 2024 at 3:41 p.m.
A recent study published in Plos Mental Health reveals significant alterations in several neural networks in adolescents overly dependent on the internet. Based on twelve previous studies, this research involved 237 young people aged 10 to 19, all diagnosed as Internet addicted, and was based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
The results show an increase in activity at rest in some regions of the brain, while the performance of the executive control network, responsible for functions such as memory and decision-making, decreases in other areas. These changes can lead to behavioral changes and affect the development of adolescents, notably by impairing their intellectual abilities and causing mental health problems.
Additionally, researchers note that these changes can negatively impact adolescents’ social lives, increase their impulsivity, and cause emotional problems. The study highlights that adolescence is a crucial developmental stage with major changes in biology, cognition and personality, making adolescents particularly mentally vulnerable.
It is important to note that spending several hours a day on the Internet does not necessarily mean suffering from addiction. However, a person is considered addicted when they cannot resist the urge to use the Internet despite negative effects on their psychological well-being and their social, academic or professional life.
