Internet and social media is leaving young people more at risk of mental health problems, new research reveals

INTERNET addiction could cause ­depression, anxiety and ADHD, researchers have found.

A study revealed university students hooked on browsing and social media are more likely to suffer mental health problems.

3

The findings prove increasing numbers of people are struggling to cope if they are not online regularly.

Experts gave 254 students a 1998 test for excessive internet use and classed 33 as addicts. This leapt to 107 (or 42 per cent) using a second test greater reflecting modern obsession with the net and smartphone technology.

Related stories

'THE GOOGLE EFFECT'

The internet is making us STUPID - but there's a smart way to fight back against dumbing down

have you been phubbed off?

Research shows people are snubbing friends for phones

Autism screening

The way kids play iPad games could reveal if they are autistic, research reveals

WATCH YOUR BACK

New research reveals a good night's sleep can solve back pain

Experts gave 254 students a 1998 test for excessive internet use and classed 33 as addicts. This leapt to 107 (or 42 per cent) using a second test greater reflecting modern obsession with the net and smartphone technology.

3

Prof Michael Van Ameringen said: “Those classed as addicts on both tests had significantly more trouble dealing with daily activities and social settings.”

Researchers want to extend the study to other age groups. They also aim to discover if mental health problems lead to internet addiction, or the other way round.

The team found 55.8 per cent of students struggled to control their use of video streaming sites and 48 per cent their social media time.

3

Nearly 29 per cent were hooked on instant messaging tools.

Dutch researcher Prof Jan Buitelaar added: “Excessive use of the internet is an understudied phenomenon that may disguise mild or severe psychopathology.

"Further study is needed."