Current research points to the potentially devastating effects of Internet addiction, especially in adolescents. Internet addiction disorder (IAD), especially those addicted to Internet gaming, tend to have certain brain abnormalities.
Changes in Brain Blood Flow
Internet addiction is also associated with changes in brain blood flow.
Increased blood flow is actually seen in the areas of the brain involving reward and pleasure centers, and decreased blood flow is observed in areas involved in hearing and visual processing.
The prevalence of IAD among youth is about 26.3%,which is huge and that is actually more than alcohol and illicit drug use disorders.

The criteria for this condition include the loss of control over Internet use, resulting in marked distress, preoccupation, mood changes, tolerance, withdrawal, and functional impairments of social, occupational, and academic performance. Another proposed criterion is spending more than 6 hours a day on nonacademic, nonbusiness Internet use for more than 6 months.
The recent research shows a significant correlation between IAD and mental health problems, including depression, suicidal behavior, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as well as alcohol and illicit drug use disorders. Some studies show that IAD may increase suicide attempts in the presence of depression.
Dopamine Changes
Internet addiction is also linked to dopamine changes. Studies indicate that prolonged Internet use leads to a reduction in dopamine transporters, the effects of which are stagnation of dopamine in the synaptic cleft. That the resulting excess dopamine causes stimulation of adjacent neurons, which may result in a euphoric effect. A state of reduced levels of dopamine transporters is seen in substance use disorders and other addictive behaviors also.
The duration and degree of Internet addiction appear to be correlated with activation of the "out of body" or disembodiment-related areas of brain. Internet addicts also have enhanced reward sensitivity and decreased sensitivity to monetary loss. This may make them indifferent to the consequences of their behavior, which can include psychological, social, and work difficulties.
Despite the increased prevalence, the basic epidemiology and pathophysiology of IAD is unclear.
To date, very few neuroimaging studies have been performed to investigate the brain structural and functional changes with Internet addiction among the at-risk population of adolescent. This is unfortunate, because youth represent "our future generation."
Screening for IAD among adolescents with mental health problems is important, given the increasing prevalence of suicidal behavior in this age group. Physicians can use various Internet addiction scales to screen for IAD.
There are not yet any guidelines for treating this condition. However, considering its significant correlation with depression, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may alleviate symptoms, according to some studies.
South Asian countries have some detox centers for Internet addiction that use some psychotherapeutic interventions.
Internet Is Here to Stay
The Internet is here to stay. just a few years ago, studies on Internet use encompassed only PC (personal computer) use, with the explosion of iphones, instant messaging, and other new technologies, the Net affects almost every aspect of daily life.
It's important for us to study the effects of the connectedness that we experience, especially the effects on younger people.
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