Internet addiction changes adolescent brains: study

by: BJ Lutz

Published: June 6, 2024 / 4:53 p.m. CDT

Update: June 6, 2024 / 4:55 p.m. CDT

CHICAGO — Excessive Internet use is reshaping adolescent brains, according to a new study by researchers at University College London.

“We know that when we overuse things like smartphones and social media, it gets into our reward system in the brain,” explained Allison Kranich, a professional counselor at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. “It’s really problematic for teenagers, especially pre-teens, which is anyone between the ages of 9 and 12.”

Kranich joined the WGN Evening News to discuss the study results, how to assess a problem and treatment strategies. Watch the full segment in the video above.