Ivaylo I. Aleksandrov, Violeta R. Manolova and Stoyan R. Vezenkov
Center for applied neuroscience Vezenkov, BG-1582, Sofia, e-mail: info@vezenkov.com
For citation: Alexandrov, I.I, Manolova, V.R. and Vezenkov S.R. (2025) Infantile Behavior Patterns and Developmental Delays in Adolescents and Young Adults (Aged 12-29) with Screen Addiction. Nootism 1 (1), 79-82, ISSN 3033-1765
*This paper was presented by Ivaylo Alexandrov at the Second Science Conference "Screen Children" on November 23, 2024, in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between screen addiction and infantile behavior patterns in individuals aged 12 to 29. Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and physiological markers (HRV, SCL, T, Resp.) were utilized to assess the cognitive and neurophysiological effects of screen addiction. Findings reveal that screen addiction is linked to significant alterations in brain activity, including increased theta and/or alpha activity and reduced beta1 and/or increased beta2 and/or beta3 activity in the frontal and prefrontal cortex, leading to attention deficits, cognitive regression, and impaired executive functioning.
Additionally, deficits in emotional regulation were observed, evidenced by low heart rate variability—an indicator of chronic stress and heightened susceptibility to anxiety and depression. On a social level, screen addiction was associated with increased dependence on external validation, reduced competitiveness, and difficulties in developing autonomy. The results support the hypothesis that infantile behavior patterns reinforced by excessive screen use contribute to regression in social adaptation and self-regulation.
Based on these findings, targeted interventions are recommended, including screen time reduction, biofeedback neurotherapy, and structured programs aimed at fostering critical thinking and self-regulation to mitigate the adverse effects of screen addiction on cognitive, emotional, and social development.
Keywords: screen addiction, youth, infantilization, prolonged adolescence, qEEG, HRV, external validation, biofeedback, social adaptation
Introduction
In today’s world, screen technologies have become an integral part of daily life, significantly transforming how young people engage with their environment. While technological advancements offer numerous benefits, excessive use of screen devices can lead to screen addiction, bringing a range of cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. One notable consequence of this phenomenon is the infantilization of younger generations, where behavioral patterns typical of childhood persist into adolescence and even adulthood (Arnett, 2010; Calcutt, 2016; Gutvajn, 2022; Abakumova et al., 2021). This process is closely linked to screen addiction, which alters neurophysiological processes, psychosocial functioning, and personal development. As a result, infantile behavioral patterns remain characteristic of the age at which screen addiction begins, yet they become maladaptive, leading to significant difficulties in later developmental stages.
This study explores the mechanisms of infantile behavior, its relationship with screen addiction, and the long-term developmental consequences for individuals aged 12 to 29. Special emphasis is placed on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying developmental regression, as well as the social and psychological effects of addiction. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue and propose effective strategies for prevention and intervention.
In the literature, infantilism is defined as a condition in which an individual retains behavioral, cognitive, and emotional traits characteristic of childhood. These include low frustration tolerance, emotional outbursts, difficulty taking responsibility, and reliance on external validation and approval. In the context of screen addiction, these patterns are reinforced by the constant rewards provided by digital media, which hinder the development of self-discipline and critical thinking.
From a neurophysiological perspective, screen addiction impacts key brain regions, particularly the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions such as planning, decision-making, and impulse control. Additionally, disruptions in the limbic system contribute to emotional dysregulation, diminished interest in social interactions, and increased vulnerability to stress. Consequently, affected individuals often experience social isolation, reduced adaptability to real-world challenges, and a heightened risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, studies show that screen addiction contributes to neurological rigidity, resulting in delayed cognitive development, impaired memory and concentration, and diminished learning and adaptation abilities. These effects are particularly pronounced in young individuals who spend an average of more than four hours per day in front of screens. In highly digitalized countries like South Korea, where screen time averages over seven hours per day, this issue is even more severe, giving rise to social phenomena such as "kidult", where adults retain childlike behavioral patterns and lifestyles. (Kang et al., 2024; Wiederhold, 2024; Bernardini, 2014)
The infantile behavior we examined is characterized by:
Low tolerance for restrictions and delayed gratification
Emotional outbursts and overly dramatic reactions
Avoidance of responsibility and accountability
Strong dependence on external validation and attention
Idealized and naive perceptions of social relationships
Tendencies toward social withdrawal syndrome
Research Design
Objective of the Study
The aim of this study is to analyze infantile functional and behavioral patterns exhibited by individuals with screen addiction by recording ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) signals and qEEG (quantitative EEG) within the framework of a treatment program.
Equipment Used:
- ANS Recording: HRV, T, SCL, Resp. using GP8 hardware and Alive Pioneer Pro software (SomaticVision.com).
- EEG Recording: A 19-channel monopolar montage was used, conducted with Neuron-Spectrum-4P hardware and Neuron-Spectrum.NET software, manufactured by Neurosoft LLC, Russia.
Study Sample
The study includes 21 participants (16 males, 5 females) aged 12 to 29, all with varying levels of screen addiction. Participation was voluntary, and all individuals were selected after an initial screening for cognitive and emotional impairments related to screen addiction.
Duration and Intervention
The program lasted five months and included the following components:
- Quantitative Electroencephalography (qEEG): Used to assess neurophysiological changes and monitor brain activity before, during, and after the therapeutic program.
- Subjective and Objective Measurements: Unstructured interviews were conducted to track changes in executive functions, emotional regulation, and social adaptation, alongside physiological markers (HRV, SCL, T, Resp.).
Methods of Analysis
- qEEG Indicator Analysis: Evaluating brain maturity before the therapeutic program.
- Examination of Infantile Functional Patterns: Assessing ANS reactivity under different experimental conditions.
- Correlation Analysis: Exploring relationships between cognitive performance, behavioral responses, and neurophysiological changes.
Results
Participants were divided into two groups based on the severity of infantile behavioral patterns, assessed through behavioral tests, qEEG, and biofeedback analysis:
Group 1: Mild Infantilization (n=4)
- Difficulties with time and task management, yet a preserved ability to adapt. They do not perceive screen addiction as a serious problem in their lives. Although they express a desire to improve their quality of life, they struggle to accept that overcoming screen dependency and making active efforts are necessary steps toward that goal.
- Moderately reduced beta activity in the prefrontal cortex, indicating mildly delayed executive function development. Presence of alpha peaks with open eyes during screen exposure.
- Preserved HRV variability, but with a trend toward low LF/HF values, suggesting moderate autonomic dysfunction.
- In males: Slightly diminished competitiveness and moderately reduced sympathetic tone.
- In females: Occasional freeze responses, though with some capacity for emotional regulation.
Group 2: Moderate Infantilization (n=10)
- Significant difficulties in personal and professional relationships, along with dependence on others for decision-making. A tendency to blame external factors and other people for failures. They do not recognize the connection between their dysfunctions and screen addiction. Additionally, they fail to acknowledge their own infantile behaviors, instead finding ways to justify them.
- Increased theta activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and frontal lobes, associated with weaker concentration and slower cognitive processing. Alpha peaks observed across all channels during both screen exposure and non-screen conditions with open eyes. Reversed cortical asymmetry was noted.
- Reduced HRV variability, with low VLF values, indicating rigidity in the autonomic nervous system and low adaptability to stress.
- In males: Marked lack of competitiveness and a "feminized" sympathetic nervous system response (low tone, low reactivity).
- In females: Enhanced freeze responses, along with reduced capacity for empathy and emotional connectedness.
Group 3: Severe Infantilization (n=7)
- Serious difficulties in career and academic development, inability to manage time independently, and lack of impulse control, often leading to financial problems. They do not take responsibility for their actions and feel objectified by others. They reject the idea that their screen addiction is linked to their dysfunctions. While they recognize some of their impairments, others remain outside their awareness. They show no motivation for change and lack ambition to improve their quality of life. They were brought to therapy by a close family member, but they downplay both their screen addiction and the symptoms of their dysfunction and infantile behavior.
- Predominantly high theta activity and reduced beta activity in the prefrontal cortex, indicating severe impairments in cognitive control and emotional regulation. Alpha peaks across all channels with open eyes. Strong alpha waves in C3, F3, and/or P3, along with reversed cortical asymmetry and occipital epileptiform activity.
- The dominant frequency with open eyes is lower than that with closed eyes.
- Significantly reduced LF/HF values in HRV, reflecting chronic autonomic nervous system imbalance and low stress tolerance.
- In males: Profound lack of competitiveness, almost complete absence of sympathetic nervous system response, and delayed reactions to stress stimuli.
- In females: Pronounced freeze responses, lack of empathy, and deficits in maternal behavior.
Discussion
The study findings confirm the hypothesis that screen addiction is strongly associated with infantile behavioral patterns and contributes to significant cognitive, emotional, and social deficits. Data analysis reveals clear neurophysiological alterations across individuals with varying degrees of infantilization, reinforcing the impact of screen addiction on the development of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. The research methodology—including ANS physiological markers, qEEG analysis, and symptom profiling—provides reliable and objective indicators of cognitive underdevelopment and social maladaptation observed in the participants.
From a neurophysiological perspective, qEEG analysis shows that individuals with moderate to severe infantilization exhibit dominant theta and/or alpha1 activity across different cortical areas. Additionally, high-amplitude alpha waves in O1 were observed both during and after screen exposure (with open eyes) and while performing cognitive tasks, indicating delayed cognitive development, reduced concentration, diminished executive function engagement, and increased neuronal rigidity. Reversed cortical asymmetry, particularly in severe cases, suggests impaired emotional regulation and significant difficulties in social adaptation.
In line with the research design, physiological indicators confirm the presence of autonomic dysfunction in individuals with a high degree of infantilization. Reduced LF/HF values in HRV among the severe group indicate chronic stress and an inability to effectively cope with external challenges. These physiological findings align with the observed behavioral patterns, including difficulties in time management, dependence on external approval, and low frustration tolerance.
Cognitive assessments reveal that individuals with higher levels of infantilization experience significant impairments in executive functions, including planning, decision-making, and cognitive flexibility. This is particularly pronounced in severe cases, where a notably reduced beta rhythm—responsible for cognitive control—is observed. These results correlate with identified social and behavioral deficits, such as low competitiveness, avoidance of responsibility, and poor decision-making abilities.
On a socio-psychological level, the results of the unstructured interviews reveal that screen addiction is associated with increased social anxiety and difficulties in developing autonomy. These findings align with the neurophysiological data, which indicate reduced activity in the medial prefrontal cortex, a region critical for self-regulation and social functioning. Gender differences in responses also support existing theoretical models, suggesting that women with a high degree of infantilization exhibit heightened "freeze" responses, while men show reduced competitiveness and slower reactions to stress stimuli.
Particularly striking is the refusal to take responsibility and the lack of willingness to seek treatment for screen addiction, along with the tendency to downplay or deny symptoms and minimize infantile behaviors. The lack of awareness of their own social inadequacy and the unwillingness to adapt to the adult world raise serious concerns about these individuals' chances of recovery once they reach adulthood and become solely responsible for their future and personal development.
Based on these findings, the hypothesis presented in the introduction is confirmed: screen addiction contributes to delayed development of executive functions and reinforces infantile behavioral patterns. The comparison of neurophysiological, cognitive, and behavioral results with the research design demonstrates that the applied methods effectively assess the extent of cognitive and social regression. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions, including programs focused on developing psychophysiological self-regulation and reducing screen time, to support the restoration of normal executive functioning and social adaptation.
Conclusion
This study provides strong evidence of the detrimental effects of screen addiction on cognitive, emotional, and social development in young people. The findings confirm that prolonged and excessive screen use contributes to significant neurophysiological changes, which manifest as cognitive rigidity, impaired executive function, and dysregulated emotional responses. The observed increase in theta activity and decrease in beta activity in the prefrontal cortex strongly correlate with deficits in attention, impulse control, and decision-making abilities, all of which are critical for healthy development. Additionally, the presence of cortical asymmetry and autonomic dysfunction further reinforces the connection between screen addiction and emotional instability, heightened stress sensitivity, and reduced adaptability to real-life challenges.
From a behavioral perspective, the study identifies a clear pattern of infantilization, where affected individuals exhibit low frustration tolerance, dependence on external validation, and an inability to take responsibility for their actions. The refusal to acknowledge the negative impact of screen addiction, coupled with a lack of motivation for change, raises serious concerns about long-term developmental delays and difficulties in transitioning into adulthood. The persistence of childlike behavioral patterns well beyond adolescence not only hinders personal and professional growth but also increases the risk of social isolation, anxiety, and depressive disorders.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted intervention strategies aimed at mitigating the negative effects of screen addiction. Reducing screen time, implementing structured programs for psychophysiological self-regulation, developing critical thinking skills, and promoting real-world social interactions are essential for restoring normal executive functioning and emotional stability. Without timely intervention, screen addiction may lead to lasting developmental impairments, ultimately compromising an individual's ability to function independently and thrive in a competitive social environment.
The growing prevalence of screen addiction highlights the necessity for broader public awareness, parental guidance, and policy-driven efforts to regulate excessive screen use, particularly among adolescents and young adults. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to further explore the long-term effects of screen addiction and evaluate the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches. Addressing this issue proactively is crucial in preventing the escalation of cognitive, emotional, and social dysfunctions linked to excessive digital consumption.
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