Mental disadaptation and disturbances in psychological well-being of an individual with internet addiction

In recent decades, there has been a rapid increase in the number of Internet users, which is accompanied by a rise in the prevalence of various forms of addictive behavior, among which Internet addiction occupies a leading place due to its social consequences. The virtual environment, providing extensive opportunities for communication, self-realization, and leisure, simultaneously becomes a risk factor for the formation of persistent dependency, leading to disruptions in mental functioning and a decline in quality of life. The negative consequences of Internet addiction have a systemic disadaptation character for the individual, affecting emotional, cognitive, and social spheres. The aim of the study is to identify the features of mental disadaptation and disturbances in psychological well-being among individuals with Internet addiction based on the analysis of scientific research. The object of the study is Internet addiction. The subject of the study is the features of mental disadaptation and disturbances in the psychological well-being of individuals with Internet addiction. Methods of analysis, generalization, and systematization of scientific research were used, with searches conducted through PubMed, E-Library, and Google Scholar. A total of 38 publications released between 1999 and 2026 were selected. The complex nature of Internet addiction manifests itself in various forms, united by a common pathogenetic mechanism. Key mechanisms for the formation of addiction include disruptions in the dopaminergic reward system, cognitive-affective distortions (exaggeration of the significance of virtual achievements, underestimation of one's own importance in real life), and a decrease in social control. It has been shown that Internet addiction leads to systemic mental disadaptation, manifesting on three levels: emotional, cognitive, and social. It has been proven that Internet addiction blocks the development of all components of psychological well-being (autonomy, competence, personal growth, positive relationships, goal setting), creating a closed loop of disadaptation. The neurobiological basis consists of data on structural-functional changes in the prefrontal cortex, which underlie the deficit in cognitive control. The scientific novelty lies in the systematization of contemporary scientific data on the mechanisms of mental disadaptation in various forms of Internet addiction and their impact on the structure of psychological well-being. Understanding the mechanisms of disadaptation and the specifics of disturbances in psychological well-being in Internet addiction will allow specialists to select effective psychodiagnostic tools for assessment, timely identify at-risk groups, and develop psychological correction and prevention programs.