Too much time on the Internet reshapes a teenager's brain

Research shows that the brains of teens who are addicted to being online showed alterations to parts of the organ associated with active thinking.

This leads to an increase in addictive behaviour as well as changes linked to intellectual ability, physical coordination and mental health and development.

Max Chang, a masters student and lead author of the study at University College London, said: "Adolescence is a crucial development stage during which people go through significant changes in their biology, cognition, and personalities.

"As a result, the brain is particularly vulnerable to Internet addiction-related urges during this time such as compulsive Internet usage, cravings towards usage of the mouse or keyboard, and consuming media."

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