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Recent research indicates that internet addiction can trigger significant changes in brain chemistry among young individuals, potentially fueling addictive behaviors, according to a study published in PLOS Mental Health.

The study, conducted by Max Chang, an MSc student at the UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health (GOS ICH), and his team, scrutinized previous research utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural activity patterns in individuals with internet addiction.

"Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage during which people go through significant changes in their biology, cognition and personalities," Change explained, as per the Guardian. "As a result, the brain is particularly vulnerable to internet addiction-related urges during this time, such as compulsive internet usage, cravings towards usage of the mouse or keyboard and consuming media."

Their analysis revealed heightened activity in various brain regions during resting periods, alongside diminished connectivity in areas crucial for executive control functions like memory and decision-making. These alterations, observed across multiple neural networks, were associated with addictive tendencies and behavioral shifts affecting mental health, cognitive development, and physical coordination in adolescents.

Examining 12 studies involving 237 teenagers diagnosed with internet addiction between 2013 and 2023, the research sheds light on the prevalence of this issue, with nearly half of British teenagers admitting to feeling addicted to social media, as per a recent survey.

Chang noted the vulnerability of adolescence to internet addiction-related urges and emphasizes the potential negative repercussions on social interactions, eating habits, and sleep patterns. He stresses the importance of early detection and intervention strategies tailored to address specific brain regions affected by internet addiction.

"Clinicians could potentially prescribe treatment to aim at certain brain regions or suggest psychotherapy or family therapy targeting key symptoms of internet addiction," Chang suggested.

"Importantly, parental education on internet addiction is another possible avenue of prevention from a public health standpoint. Parents who are aware of the early signs and onset of internet addiction will more effectively handle screen time, impulsivity, and minimise the risk factors surrounding internet addiction."

Irene Lee, a senior author of the study, echoed the significance of maintaining balanced internet usage, advising young individuals to set sensible time limits and comprehend the psychological and social consequences of excessive online engagement.

The study's findings offer valuable insights into the detrimental impact of internet addiction on young minds, emphasizing the need for proactive measures, including parental education, psychotherapy, and targeted interventions, to mitigate its adverse effects on adolescent well-being.