INTERNET IMPACT ON CHILD AND ADOLESCENT BRAIN

Dr. Raluca Ionescu, specialist in pediatric psychiatry, Titan Psychiatry Hospital “Dr.

Constantin Gorgos”

TV, computer, internet and video games have become a very handy substitute for the rest of educational and recreational activities, the latter being now abandoned by children.

Watching television, surfing the net or playing computer games today are part of the daily routine.

Most children get acquainted with them long before going to school, spending many hours with such activities, to the detriment of others.

Prolonged exposure to systematic and direct and indirect effects of PC-TV and internet have an overwhelming effect on the human mind and life.

What is the impact of TV and computer use on the minds of children?

Computer is good or bad for children and youth? The impact of TV and computer on the lives and

development of children depends on several factors: how much time they spend in front of the screen, their age and their personality, whether if they do it alone or with an adult, if one of the parents talked to him about what they watch or about the dangers they expose themselves using the Internet.

EFFECTS ON DEVELOPMNT OF CEREBRAL STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS

When we are in front of PC we are disconnected of the outside world by images that succeed each other rapidly.

Depending on the time and the age at which the children are allowed access, the computer can cause severe damages cortical development.

During computer use, the screen, like that of TV, inhibits the activity of the left hemisphere of the prefrontal cortex and weakens the inter-hemispheric communication performed by the corpus callosum bridge.

Functions that coordinates two cerebral hemispheres in cognitive acts are completely different.

HEMISPHERES FUNCTIONS

HEMISPHERES FUNCTIONS The right hemisphere governs processes involving global

and simultaneous perception, imagination, emotions, colors, information processing as a whole, causing rather emotional than rational responses.

The left hemisphere handles linear processes, analytical and successive. It mediates logical thinking, deductive analysis and synthesis. Analyzes and arranges the details in order (for example, the concept of time or cause and effect). The left hemisphere networks depends on good grasp of grammar, putting words in the phrase (syntax).

Inter-hemisphere poor development of the deck is one of the main causes of low intellectual capacity in many of today's youth, and of the appearance of learning and attention problems.

IMPACT OF WATCHING PC SCREEN

The image on the PC screen induce a hypnotic state, pushing the brain in a state of alpha waves, undermining simultaneously cerebral beta rhythm that characterizes logical thinking and analytical processes.

When we use the PC for a process that requires thought, the brain must make a much greater effort than usual in order to overcome the inertia introduced by hypnotic images on the screen.

IMPACT OF WATCHING PC SCREEN Watching generate alpha waves while active thinking asks for beta

waves. It determines that when we are in front of the PC, thought to become a much more difficult process carried on with a much higher energy consumption, and the risk of nervous exhaustion of the brain much faster.

PC games increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that moderates attention. If there's something that interests us very much, then it increases the level of dopamine.

There are substances or behaviors that greatly increase dopamine levels and addictive euphoria, but gradually they lead to demotivation and eventually to depression.

To large waves of dopamine, the brain adapts destroying the receptors.

CONSEQUENCES OF INTERNET USE AND PC GAMES ON CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT :

Negative effects can be felt strongly by those who play frequently and for a very long time.

That is why, as a first negative effect of video games, it is necessary to think of addiction in general.

Players do not want to stop until they get some of the "rewards" set. When it comes to addiction, children spent countless hours with PC games, not having a normal schedule, but one built according to video games. In this context it appears conducive to the assimilation of violent behavior.

INTERNET AND PC GAMES ADDICTION SYMPTOMS

lifestyle changes in order to spend as much time on the net decreased physical activity lack of interest in their own health giving up important activities to stay longer on the net sleep deprivation or sleep rhythm changes, for the same

purpose the sharp decrease in social activity, resulting in alienation and

withdrawal gradual neglect of family desire to spend more time online neglecting school and personal obligations

CONSEQUENCES OF INTERNET AND PC GAMES ON CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT

Video games in which children see shooters, shots, all kinds of weapons and even murders, can lead to onset of aggressive behavior.

Become less sensitive to violence in real life Decreases the motivation to intervene, if it

imposes, in actions aimed at reducing violence May, in time, conduct both to disorders and health

problems Can become very isolated Not perform well in school Can become influenced by the "false reality" of

games

CONSEQUENCES OF INTERNET AND PC GAMES ON CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT

In time, children may have health problems such as: Overweight Disorders related to joints, muscles, bones Visual disturbances Sleep disorders Predisposition to the development of depression and

states of anxiety 

CONSEQUENCES OF INTERNET AND PC GAMES ON CHILDREN DEVELOPMENT

decreased motivation, decreased attention, boredom depression addiction desensitization, lack of compassion overstimulation erosion of relationships with parents and friends isolation social shyness immaturity lack of emotion control hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) cortex lesions behavioral changes

PC GAMES (ALSO) HAVE POSITIVE ISSUES

Familiarizing themselves with the technology and the online universe in a funny way

Learn to follow instructions It is used to think logically and solve problems Learn to achieve resource planning / logistics Learn to perform multiple tasks and meet several objectives Video games can improve their ability to make decisions Improve their hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills or

ability to orient in space Become more interested in history and culture in general

OTHER POSITIVE ISSUES OF PC GAMES

Can help increase self-esteem. They will be able to translate their knowledge and skills

in everyday life, and so solving their own problems, and helping others to resolve theirs.

Can help children become more creative. They can help children to have fun, to change the mood. Reduces anxiety and helps them to be more relaxed. Give children the opportunity to be leaders.

DISCUSSIONThe impact of the internet and video games on child brain depends on: The age at which the child is exposed to the Internet The amount of time spent in front of the screen The activity, the game played Whether the child is supervised or not

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