Around the world, young people are increasingly using and becoming preoccupied with the internet, including social media and gaming. Professionals may classify excessive internet use as internet addiction disorder (IAD), although the inclusion of this diagnosis in the DSM-5 continues to be debated.[1]
Internet addiction can lead to many of the same risks and dangers as other types of addictions, including impaired social, academic, and professional functioning, and worsening mental health. Because of this, it is necessary to explore the condition and possible treatment options further.[2]
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Are teens more at risk of developing an internet addiction?
Adolescence is a developmental stage in which people experience many biological, personality, and cognitive changes, along with increased impulsivity. Because of this, people at this age are at a greater risk of experiencing mental health issues and the development of uncontrolled cravings and addictions.[3]
Additionally, smartphones and devices with the internet are becoming increasingly accessible. Teenagers have grown up with these devices in the home and readily available internet access in almost any setting or environment. This has increased the vulnerability of this age group to experience internet addiction, as compulsive and excessive internet use has become normalized.
Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this age group was required to study and attend lessons online, again normalizing constant internet use. With the need for social distancing and remaining at home, this also meant that teens were socializing and playing games online as well, thus potentially spending little time away from devices and the internet.[4]
As such, the biological and cognitive changes taking place along with environmental and technological developments have led to this age group being at high risk of experiencing internet addiction.[3]
Warning signs of internet addiction in teens
Many teens use the internet daily, with little or no harmful consequences. However, there is a high prevalence of excessive internet use amongst teens worldwide, much of which could be classified as internet addiction.[1][2][5]
Possible warning signs of internet addiction in teens include:[2][3][6][7]
- Lack of control over internet use, being unable to reduce time spent on the internet or resist the urge to play games, access social media, or use the internet
- Spending increasing amounts of time using the internet
- Impairments in social, academic, or professional functioning due to excessive internet use
- Thinking about using the internet when engaged in other activities
- Continuing to use the internet excessively despite this causing harmful consequences
- Worsening mental health, including symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Poor sleep and dietary intake
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using the internet, such as cravings, low mood, and agitation
- Lying to others about internet activity
- Neglecting responsibilities such as schoolwork or chores to instead use the internet
Internet use and mental health
It is common for substance addiction to occur alongside other mental health conditions and it is believed that the same is true for internet addiction. Various factors can cause an increased vulnerability to both mental health conditions and addictive behaviors, such as family dynamics, school environments, and traumatic or stressful experiences.[3][6]
It is likely that addiction and mental health also impact one another, potentially increasing the risk or severity of one another. For example, people with symptoms of depression or anxiety may use the internet as a way to cope with their symptoms. Conversely, people who use the internet excessively may be at greater risk of developing mental health symptoms.[5]
A study has found that adolescents with internet addictions may be more likely to develop other addictive behaviors such as substance use disorders. It was found that internet addiction changes brain activity and functioning, which can lead to other addictive behaviors, decreased cognitive and intellectual abilities, worsening mental health, poor physical coordination, and impaired development. [2]
Excessive internet use, in particular the use of social media, can be linked to:[2][3][4][7]
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Behavioral and conduct issues
- Impaired ability to focus
- Low self-esteem
- Poor stress resilience
- Risky or self-injuring behavior
- Sleep disorders
- Aggressive behaviors
- Drug and alcohol use
Problematic use
Problematic internet use can include spending several hours per day on the internet and experiencing symptoms and behaviors of an addiction. In addition to this, internet use can become dangerous or problematic if:[8][9]
- Teens are accessing inappropriate websites, such as those that include violence and information on harming the self or others, especially if these websites are not monitored or regulated.
- Teens are accessing pornographic material, whether intentionally or accidentally, on an increasingly regular basis, leading to excessive use and potentially harmful consequences.
- Teens are using chat rooms or forums in which they communicate with strangers. In some cases, this could lead to inappropriate conversations, grooming, or exploitation.
- Teens are playing video games excessively and are unable to control their time on these games. This may be classified as internet gaming disorder (IGD).[2]
- Teens are sharing personal or private information and images on social media or other websites, which can make them vulnerable to exploitation or inappropriate adult engagement.
- The inability to control cravings and urges for internet use leads to the development of other addictive behaviors, such as those involving substances, sexual activity, or spending money.
Tips for reducing internet use
The following tips can help reduce internet use.
Set time limits
Limit the amount of time you spend on the internet by allocating a set time. This could apply to all internet use or the use of specific apps, particularly social media. There are available apps to download that track your use and send reminders to let you know how long you have spent or how much is left of your allocated time limit.
Turn off notifications
You could turn off notifications for sites or apps that are particularly distracting throughout the day, so you are less tempted to check your phone. Alternatively, turn your phone onto Do Not Disturb, turn it off, or put it on silent, so you don’t know when notifications come through and can check it at specific times instead.
Be busy
Engage in other activities, hobbies, or socializing. Often, people use the internet or are unable to control or limit use because of boredom, so being busy can help prevent this. This can also serve as a distraction, helping you avoid looking at your phone or other devices.
Delete apps
You might have various apps on your phone or computer that you don’t use or need, but which are distracting you with notifications or mindless scrolling. Delete any apps that are not necessary and are taking up your time throughout the day.
Leave devices at home
Go outside for a walk, run, or time with friends, and leave your phone or other devices at home or somewhere you cannot access them.
Treatment for teens with internet addiction
Internet addiction is not an official diagnosis so there are no official treatments currently. However, as with other addictions, the symptoms of internet addiction could be managed with professional interventions and education, such as:[10][11]
- Psychotherapy to manage underlying mental health symptoms and conditions
- Behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to adapt addictive behaviors
- Family therapy and education to improve communication, problem-solving, and regulating behaviors and emotions
- Medications such as antidepressants to manage psychological symptoms
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