Effects of Internet use on the adolescent brain: despite popular claims, experimental evidence remains scarce

Kathryn L Mills

doi:10.1016/j.tics.2014.04.011

Effects of Internet use on the adolescent brain: despite popular claims, experimental evidence remains scarce

Trends Cogn Sci. 2014 Aug;18(8):385-7. doi: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.04.011.

Author

Kathryn L Mills¹

Affiliation

¹ Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK; Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. Electronic address: kathryn.l.mills@gmail.com.

PMID: 25064168
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2014.04.011

Abstract

Twenty-five years have passed since the invention of the World Wide Web changed society by allowing unfettered access to the Internet. How this technological revolution has affected brain development continues to be an open question. There is particular concern about how Internet use is affecting the brains of adolescents. This Forum article discusses the possible effects of the Internet, as well as the behaviors and capabilities associated with its use, on the adolescent brain.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior*
Adolescent Development*
Brain / growth & development*
Cognition
Humans
Information Seeking Behavior
Internet*