Problematic Internet Use and Health Behaviors in Young Men:  Potential Links with Neural Reward Pathways

Problematic Internet Use (PIU) negatively impacts psychological, social, academic, and occupational functioning and is associated with unhealthy behaviors such as poor diet, inactivity, and sleep problems. The post-pandemic period has intensified Internet overuse, especially among young men, who are more prone to risky health behaviors. This study aimed to assess the relationship between health behaviors, PIU, and serotonin and dopamine levels in young men. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 men aged 18–30 from the West Pomeranian region of Poland. PIU severity was measured using the Internet Use Test (IUT), and health behaviors were assessed using the Health-Related Behavior Inventory (HBI). Blood samples were analyzed for serotonin and dopamine levels using ELISA. Results: 17.7% of participants exhibited high or very high PIU. One-third led unhealthy lifestyles. Higher PIU correlated with lower health behavior scores. The overall HBI score was negatively associated with non-work Internet use during weekdays and weekends. In the low PIU group, healthy eating habits positively correlated with dopamine levels. The linear correlation analysis, after adjusting for age and BMI, revealed a correlation between IUT scores and overall HBI scores, HBI healthy eating habits, and HBI positive mental attitudes. Conclusions: Increased Internet use was linked to poorer health behaviors. These findings underscore the need for interventions aimed at reducing Internet time and promoting healthy behaviors among young men with PIU. Further research should explore neurobiological mechanisms behind these associations.