Internet addiction affects the brain

Posted on 20. Feb, 2012 by Julia Barnard in addiction, Wellbeing Research

Being addicted to the internet can result in changes to the brain, according to researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Seventeen participants diagnosed with internet addiction disorder had their brains scanned using MRI. Comparisons with non-addicts revealed a change in white matter, with disruption to certain nerve fibres. The affected nerve fibres are those involved with decision making, attention, emotions and self-control. These changes have also been found in addicts with substance and impulse control disorders.

Tags: addiction, brain, decision making