Screen Deep The Neuroscience of Adolescent Digital and Behavioral Addictions with Dr. Marc Potenza
Oct 16, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Marc Potenza, a Yale expert in addiction science, delves into the neuroscience of adolescent digital addiction. He reveals how brain imaging uncovers specific patterns linked to behavioral addictions and outlines why some teens are more vulnerable than others. Potenza highlights the connection between gaming and gambling, and offers practical strategies for parents to manage screen time. With insights into resilience and the importance of mindful tech use, he emphasizes creating healthier digital environments for youth.
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Adolescent Brain Vulnerability
- Adolescence shows biological changes that increase vulnerability to addictive behaviors due to shifts in motivational and control circuits.
- Cortical pruning and hormonal changes make teens more likely to experiment and develop addictions, Marc Potenza explains.
Early High School Internet Surveys
- Potenza recounts early surveys (2005–2006) of Connecticut high schoolers that included gaming and internet use measures.
- Those early studies provided a baseline as youth screen behaviors rapidly transformed, he recalls.
Neurocircuitry Explains Risk
- Reward, memory, and control brain circuits interact to shape adolescent risk for addiction.
- Potenza's neurobiological framework links affective, contextual, and control systems to explain teen vulnerability.