Internet addiction affects the brain like a reward addiction. Learn about the underlying processes and why it's called "internet use disorder.".
Maybe you've already felt like you're online for hours without really meaning to. Social media, online games, streaming—it's all fun, but at some point you realize: It's hard to stop.
The experts do not speak of „Internet addiction“ here, but of Internet usage disorder. This term describes precisely the situation in which the consumption of digital media has a strong influence on one's life and control over it is lost.
The brain's reward system in internet addiction
When we go online, we often triggered positive feelings: Likes, new messages, progress in the game – all this activates the Reward system in the brain. This is where dopamine is released, a neurotransmitter that provides motivation and pleasure.
Experiencing the same digital stimuli over and over again can cause the brain depending on these rewards. Similar to other addictions, a cycle develops:
- Go online → Dopamine kick
- Short-term satisfaction → joy, relaxation
- The effect wears off → renewed need to go online again
Loss of control and habits
Another phenomenon is the automation. The brain gets used to accessing certain apps or websites over and over again. After a short time, this happens mostly unconscious – you pick up your phone without really wanting to.
Stress and emotional processing
Internet access can also be a kind of escape mechanism People who are stressed, bored, or sad use digital media to avoid unpleasant feelings. This further reinforces the patterns in the brain.
Summary
At a Internet usage disorder So several processes come into play:
- The reward system reacts to digital stimuli
- Habits automate use
- Emotional escape increases consumption
The result: Those affected often have the feeling, no longer have control over the use.
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