As students struggle through finals week, it takes every last ounce of their self control to not open YouTube's home page, unlock their phones, or check Facebook "one last time." But even though it may seem like nothing, these cravings might actually be symptoms of something severe: an internet addiction.
Recent studies are going far enough to call this mass usage of Internet in young adults America's biggest childhood disease. But why is the Internet gaining so much criticism among psychologists -- and is there actually any merit to their claims?
Many researchers that have approached long-term internet use base it on two different variables: the Internet's affect on teens, and the Internet's possible role in addiction.
Both types of studies have produced rather interesting results. During the teenage years, the brain goes through some profound changes. Bundles of neurons that are not used on a regular basis are broken down, creating a faster, more efficient brain.
With long term Internet use, the brain is at a low functioning state, and as a result, many important functions are not used. Therefore, if recreational Internet use occurs in teenagers for long periods of time, brain functions that deal with attention span, creativity, and other important functions could all be diminished according to a recent study at New York University.
In terms of addiction, there is disagreement among the actual effects the Internet could have. Some theorize that recreational Internet usage -- like surfing YouTube or Netflix for hours every day -- can lead some people to depression or anxiety, and as a result, these same people use the Internet as a coping mechanism for their mental health problems. This "cycle theory" claims that Internet usage not only spurs mental health issues, but can drag people into years of addiction. On the other hand, many psychologists believe that the Internet does not cause mental health problems, but those who do have issues with depression or anxiety are more likely to use the Internet as a coping mechanism.
However, almost all experts in the field have come to a consensus: Internet addiction is possible, and once its there, its hard to stop. Many scientists have even compared its ramifications to drugs and alcohol.
Although more research is needed, it's safe to say that hours upon hours of surfing the web isn't all that good for your brain. Even though some countries have already started a crackdown on this addiction with some rather unorthodox methods -- like Korea's shock therapy to cure "victims"- most studies have concluded that a little time off should be more than enough for the brain to bounce back into high gear.
