Internet Addiction changes the Brain

The internet is a fabulous tool, it makes my life a whole lot easier. I love being connected to distant friends, listening to great music and podcasts, seeing great talks and reading great information. So you imagine how upset I was when the internet told me that the internet may be bad.

To clarify, we're talking about too much of a good thing. Researchers have suggested that internet addiction may be a real, diagnosable phenomenon and that it may be more common in adolescents. The problem is increasing so rapidly that it may not be long before terms such as internet addiction disorder, problematic internet use and pathological use may enter diagnostic language right next to substance use disorder or depression.

When addicted to the internet, individuals may find themselves neglecting social activities, work and school as well as experiencing negative psychological and social affects. High use of the internet has been associated with anxiety, hostility and depression. Even more than that, unrealistic expectations for life and love may be created by the fantasy offered by the internet.

It may be tempting to think that the problem is not that serious - after all, how bad can the internet be? A recent study has shown that the brain structure of individuals with internet addiction have microstructure changes that lead to functional impairments in cognition. A different study also showed a link between internet addiction may be related to increased interpersonal anxiety and psychosis.

Those adolescents with problems at home or at school were more likely to become addicted to the internet. Also, individuals who relied on the internet for entertainment or social interaction were more likely to become addicted.

Healthy use of the internet is an important skill for everyone to learn.
1)Setting time limits and boundaries on internet use is important to help develop appropriate use.
2)Social interaction is important for general health - texting is not a form of talking - and time spent in direct conversation with friends is a vital component of health.
3)Adults need to remember that children and adolescents learn from their behaviour - ask yourself when the last time you turned your mobile phone off was? Can you let the phone ring?

In short, the rate at which technology is advancing isn't necessarily a good thing. Myths regarding multitasking being possible or improved performance abound, leading many to grab the latest trend with both hands. There is a lot we still need to learn about how technology is affecting us. One thing is for sure, spending time with loving family and friends IS good for us. Why not text them and set a time to get together - in real life?

Interested in internet addiction? Here are some articles. Don't spend to long on line though!

http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0014703
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0019660
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0020708