Could you inherit an internet addiction?

We already know that excessive internet use can have negative consequences, including addiction, social isolation and sleep disturbances. But, a new study has found that individuals who spend a significant amount of time online, even if they don't exhibit full-blown internet addiction, may even experience changes to their DNA.

Specialists in addiction and impulse control from the University of Hong Kong, were interested in whether some people’s genes might make them more vulnerable to developing an addiction to the internet.

The study focused on young university students and used an approach called the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) to assess their internet use habits.

Saliva samples were collected from the participants, and their DNA was analysed for changes. These changes, known as epigenetic alterations, do not involve changes to the person’s original DNA sequence, but can be inherited. They can be influenced by environmental factors, including lifestyle habits like internet use.

Methylation is the chemical process that can affect gene expression. When a gene's promoter region (the part of the gene that controls its activity) is heavily methylated, it can become less active. Conversely, low methylation levels can lead to increased gene expression.

The researchers found that those who scored moderately high on the IAT had distinct changes to the methylation patterns of genes related to the dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are involved in reward, pleasure, and mood regulation. The changes observed suggest that internet use may be influencing the brain's reward system, potentially contributing to addictive behaviours.

While the study doesn't prove that internet use causes these genetic changes, it suggests a correlation between the two, and highlights the potential impact of technology on our biology.

As technology continues to evolve, it's crucial to explore the ways in which it may have unintended effects on our brain health, behaviour, and well-being.

Source:

Annunzi, E., Cannito, L., Bellia, F. et al. (2023) Mild internet use is associated with epigenetic alterations of key neurotransmission genes in salivary DNA of young university students. Sci Rep 13, 22192. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49492-5

Find your science tribe. Sign up to our mailing list below for Science and Sip events and experiments to try at home!