Online Addiction Among Teenagers: Causes and Consequences

Our brain is organized in such a way that it constantly searches for the least costly (in terms of the amount of energy used) ways to solve all kinds of tasks. For example, the brain consumes 10% of the body's total energy in a relaxed state, and up to 25% in a state of intense thinking. This is a catastrophic amount, so it makes us unconsciously look for ways to simplify the activity - and this is where algorithmic behavior comes to the rescue. When we carry out a once-formed algorithm (no matter whether we are buying something in a shop, doing the washing up or filling in a standard report on the computer), the brain expends a minimum of energy on this action because there is no need to think - the previously formed synoptic link is practiced. Thus digitalization, by providing algorithms for all occasions, provides the perfect key to the permanent "nirvana" of the absence of thoughts, excluding arbitrary thinking (i.e. thinking as a process of forming new knowledge). Moreover, in response to reduced activity, the brain "rewards" its owner with endogenous drugs - happiness hormones and endorphins. In adolescents, the psychological peculiarities of puberty are added to this: low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, feelings of loneliness and difficulty in making friends. These problems, faced by almost every teenager, serve as a breeding ground for online addiction. Virtual space becomes a psychological refuge where children can find solace from their emotional turmoil. Everyone finds his or her own network: one finds privacy and a cozy place, another - a mediator in communicating with the world (when you can be anonymous and not be afraid to look funny or stupid), the third - unrestrained communication, including in virtual simulators and virtual reality.

Technological Trap 

Internet platforms are skillfully designed to be addictive and hook the user. A beautiful interface, multiple features, endless amount of information to satisfy any request.

Social networks, for example, offer a continuous stream of content based on machine learning algorithms that adapt to the individual preferences of each "consumer" of information. In turn, the user increasingly absorbs artificial "dopamine" - the hormone of pleasure and satisfaction - and returns to the "source" of good mood. Online games are another example. They immerse teenagers in interactive worlds where they can not only become anything they want, but also gain recognition and rewards for achievements that children may lack in real life.

So, what are the dangers of "escaping" into the virtual world and abandoning reality?

Physical and mental disorders

Excessive PC use leads to obesity and cardiovascular problems. Disruption of circadian rhythms causes sleep problems, and prolonged eye strain leads to poor vision, not to mention back and neck pain. Excessive Internet use can disrupt natural neural connections. This may lead to teenagers spending more and more time online to get the same positive feelings they used to get. In addition, overstimulation with endogenous substances leads to an overload of the internal apparatus for their production, which eventually (after a maximum of 3 weeks) leads to a dramatic drop in brain activity, making it impossible to think actively. This condition is called "dopamine withdrawal", which (in a milder form) is no different from drug withdrawal (such as withdrawal from heavy drugs). Of course, such addiction is not usually fatal, but it can lead to severe depression, which teenagers often try to relieve by immersing themselves in the virtual world again - and so on in a circle, up to the urgent need to go to a psychiatrist.

Thus, online addiction is strongly associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression, as well as emotional, behavioral and mental health complications. Cognitive functions such as memory and attention also suffer, and a feeling of dullness arises, which has a physical cause: due to brain exhaustion, neurons are physically unable to quickly form new connections, and that is what our thinking and memory are - a multidimensional network of neural connections.

Social Degradation

Immersion in the virtual world leads to isolation and alienation from real life. Relationships with family and friends deteriorate, and forming healthy romantic relationships becomes difficult. A teenager will find it increasingly difficult to socialize with real people.

Educational and Career Decline

Learning and attendance suffer due to excessive Internet use, and high school or college becomes hell for the teen. Motivation and productivity decline, as do communication skills with teachers and classmates, which can have long-term consequences for career prospects and learning in general.

Overcoming Online Addiction Requires a Comprehensive Approach

Improvement starts with recognizing the problem and setting clear limits on the use of the Internet and any online devices. This can be done by parents or guardians by setting timers or blocking certain sites. Contacting a specialist will also help the teen with the underlying psychological causes of Internet addiction.

The most important thing, of course, is family and real friends. Their support and understanding play an important role. Positive reinforcement for reducing internet use and encouraging participation in other activities can go a long way in recovery. With early detection and proper support, teens can break free from digital shackles and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. There is no shame in admitting addiction, but there is shame in ignoring and denying it.