How to Detect Internet Addiction in Teens: Study Finds It Can 'Rewire' Their Brains

Millennials were the first generation to grow up – at least in part – online, but Gen Z and Next Generation Alpha are the first age groups to grow up in our new, always-connected world.

Now, a new study finds that Internet addiction among teens may actually reprogram their brains.

The findings, published in the journal PLOS Mental Health, determined that this type of addiction could rewire areas of the brain that control attention and allow us to understand our own emotions.

It also indicated that Internet addiction is associated with disruption of signaling in brain regions involved in multiple neural networks.

“These networks play an important role in controlling our attention, in association with intellectual capacity, working memory, physical coordination and emotional processing, all of which impact mental health,” said Max Chang, co-author of the study. associate researcher at University College London (UCL).

“Internet use has skyrocketed, with adolescents spending more and more waking hours online. This has been accompanied by an increase in adolescent Internet addiction. Since the brain “As adolescents are more capable of change than adults, understanding the effects of Internet addiction on the brain and behavior is vital to society as a whole.”

The report examined 12 neuroimaging studies of Internet-addicted adolescents to observe any changes in connectivity between brain networks.

In every study reviewed, when Internet-addicted youth participated in activities that required attention, planning, decision-making, and impulsivity, these regions showed “significant” disruption.

“Such changes in signaling could mean that these behaviors could become more difficult to perform, which could potentially impact development and well-being,” Chang explained, adding that further studies are needed to paint a more complete picture.

How to Detect Internet Addiction in Teenagers

Rychel Johnson, mental health expert and senior contributor to Our Public Records, says internet addiction is a “growing concern for today's digitally immersed youth,” and says there are signs that overuse Excessive Internet use can cause problems for your children.

If the obsession interferes with other aspects of life

“If they seem totally obsessed with connecting to the point where it interferes with other things in life… like if they start skipping homework or chores just to stay connected and if they aren't honest about how long they're actually spending on screens every day,” says Johnson.

They are unable to reduce

“Another indicator is if they seem unable to cut their spending, even if you explain how it affects their grades or their behavior,” says Johnson. “You'll also notice irritation or anxiety when you broach the topic of screen time or when you try to implement restrictions.”

They withdraw from in-person social activities

“Withdrawing from the real-life social activities that they previously enjoyed and only wanting to socialize online is also rather concerning,” says Johnson. “These kinds of changes could signal a potential problem that needs to be addressed before it gets worse.”

How to Fight Internet Addiction in Teenagers

If the above signs, or “red flags” as Johnson calls them, appear, she says it's “crucial” to approach the situation with compassion rather than more repression and rules.

“I recommend having an open conversation to understand what needs the Internet can meet for them. [such as] connection, stimulation, and escape,” she explains. “Validate these underlying desires as normal, but explore healthier ways to satisfy them that don't involve problematic habits.”

Johnson also advises involving your kids in creating a schedule with screen-free periods and rules you both agree on. However, if conflicts persist, she recommends seeking professional advice.

“Raising children in today’s technology-heavy world is not easy,” she adds. “As much as we might like it, completely banning screens is neither realistic nor helpful. The key is teaching our children to use technology in a balanced, self-aware way. We must lead by example with our own habits, by being mindful of the time we spend on devices as well.

“It takes work to find the right balance, but our children will really benefit from learning how to engage in a healthy way in the digital world.”

Additional reporting by SWNS.

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