Groundbreaking research from India's premier mental health institute has delivered a stark warning: excessive and compulsive internet use can lead to physical changes in the human brain. A study conducted by experts at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru provides compelling evidence that problematic internet use (PIU) can rewire neural pathways, highlighting its potential as a serious behavioural addiction.
The NIMHANS Brain Study: Methodology and Participants
The pivotal research was led by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS, along with his team. To arrive at their conclusions, the scientists performed a comparative analysis involving two distinct groups. The first group consisted of 26 individuals who were actively seeking treatment for symptoms of problematic internet use. Their brain patterns were compared against a control group of 26 other individuals who displayed no such symptoms of compulsive online behaviour.
This careful matching allowed the researchers to isolate the neurological correlates specific to PIU, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to hard, physiological data. The study's design underscores the clinical recognition of PIU as a condition requiring professional intervention, much like other addictive disorders.
Key Findings: How the Brain Adapts to Excessive Screen Time
The core finding of the study is that the brains of individuals with problematic internet use show significant differences in connectivity compared to healthy users. Essentially, chronic and uncontrolled internet engagement can lead the brain to reorganise its neural networks—a process known as neuroplasticity—but in a detrimental way.
These alterations are believed to affect circuits related to reward processing, impulse control, and decision-making. The brain begins to prioritise online rewards, weakening pathways associated with patience, focus, and real-world social interaction. This rewiring creates a vicious cycle where the individual needs more internet stimulation to feel satisfied, further cementing the problematic behaviour.
Implications and the Path Forward for Digital Wellness
Published on 03 January 2026, this study adds a crucial, biological dimension to our understanding of digital addiction. It moves the conversation from mere time management to one of brain health. The evidence of physical rewiring positions problematic internet use as a significant public health concern, especially for younger demographics whose brains are still developing.
The work of Dr. Kumar and the NIMHANS team calls for greater awareness and structured approaches to digital dieting. It suggests that:
- PIU should be screened for in mental health assessments.
- Educational programs need to highlight not just screen time limits, but the risk of compulsive usage patterns.
- Behavioural therapies designed to "retrain" the brain could be essential for severe cases.
This research serves as a scientific wake-up call, emphasising that our online habits have offline consequences, etched into the very fabric of our brains. Recognising the signs early and seeking help is paramount in the digital age.
