The internet is an essential part of our everyday lives. We need it for work, school, and socializing. Generation Alpha is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital world. Due to constant exposure, many teens have become addicted to the internet, particularly social media.
In a 2023 Statista survey, American teens spend nearly five hours on social media per day. There was a small gender difference with girls averaging 5.3 hours while boys averaged 4.4 hours.
Effects of Internet Addiction on Youth
One systematic review from the University College London compiled findings from 12 studies from Asian countries which examined 237 youths between 10 and 19 years old with internet addiction. In these studies, internet addiction was defined as being unable to resist the urge to use the internet, negatively affecting daily life. The studies used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to look at how different parts of the brain interact with each other (called functional connectivity).
Findings showed a decrease in functional connectivity and brain activity patterns that encourage further addictive behaviours. The studies also found patterns linked to behavioural changes that concern intellectual ability, physical coordination, mental health, and development.
Teens & Social Media
Another study from 2023 looked at 169 North Carolina students in 6th and 7th grade. They were divided into groups according to their social media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat) activity: frequent users (on social media 15+ times per day), moderate users (1-14 times per day), and nonhabitual users (less than 1 time per day). Researchers had the students play an online game that gave them smiley or frowning faces depending on the score. They then scanned the students’ brains 3 times at 1-year intervals.
The frequent users showed more sensitivity in areas of the brain connected to reward processing. They also struggled with controlling their impulses.
The study suggests social media use can make youth more reliant on feedback from their peers. Normal rewards may not be enough, driving teens to try more risky and addictive activities. However, the researchers note that internal addiction can affect people in different ways, so it may not always result in these negative behaviours.
Internet Addiction: What to Look Out For
A person with internet addiction has difficulty functioning in daily life, like other types of addicts. Signs include:
- Constantly hooked on using screens
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using screens
- Lacking interest in activities that don’t involve screens
- Gaming/scrolling on social media/other digital activities to escape stress
- Not going to classes or doing homework
- Neglecting relationships
How to Treat Internet Addiction
When it comes to getting help for internet addiction in youth, parents and other family members should be involved. Some methods include:
- Family therapy to improve communication between family members and the youth
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to shift thinking patterns
- Other activities to replace screens
It’s important to gradually decrease screen time rather than banning it completely. Otherwise, the habit likely won’t stick.
In many cases, teens with internet addiction are also struggling in terms of their mental health. Addressing these conditions is key to long-term recovery.
Preventing Internet Addiction
Like with any addiction, prevention is the best cure. Experts point to the importance of parents in helping their child balance screen time with other activities. Parents can spend quality time with them, encourage outdoor play, and help them strengthen real-world bonds.
Reference:
Fast Company
