Indiana Ranked Among States Most Obsessed With Internet

Friday, August 24, 2018 at 9:10 AM

By Mike Perleberg and Madelaine Braggs

Are Hoosiers really addicted to the internet? A psychologist believes so.

Image courtesy AT&T Savings, https://www.attsavings.com/resources/entertainment/the-most-internet-obsessed-states-in-the-us/.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A recent study by AT&T ranks Indiana in fifth place among states most obsessed with the internet. 

Psychologist Dr. John Huber says there can be long term serious consequences from too much screen time. 

“It’s truly a real addiction.  We know that when you get stimulated by, say, a ‘like’ on Instagram, we know your brain actually releases dopamine into your neuro sensors,” Huber explains.

The study says Indiana has one of the heaviest search volumes in the nation.  It also says half of the Indiana population, about three million residents, operates an Instagram account.  Huber says the more Hoosiers replace active past times with idle screen time, the more at risk they are for osteoporosis, heart disease and depression. 

Teens growing up addicted to their smartphones are more at risk for depression Huber says information and content on the internet is dispersed so quickly, that children are struggling to function in real life environments. 

“What we’re seeing is it’s very difficult for a lot of kids to transition into college and then off into a work environment where they feel like everything is moving at such a slow pace,” he says.

What’s more troubling, Huber says, is students are starting to be allowed on their cell phones more at school. 

“Teachers who are starting to use more and more online content are actually letting their kids be on their cell phones, because they kind of then take a shortcut and don’t have to do as much active teaching.”

AT&T's ranking placed Oregon, New Jersey, and Texas as the most internet-obsessed states. Alaska, South Dakota, and Idaho are the least obsessed.

Ohio ranked 18th while Kentucky was 27th.

More from Local News


Events

Closure planned on State Road 350 in Pierceville

The closure is scheduled to start on or after July 7.

Police Locate Driver After Hit and Run on Tanners Creek Drive

The incident took place on Monday afternoon.

2025 EIAC Girls Tennis All-Conference Team Announced

Greensburg won the conference this season with a 7-0 record.

Harrison HS Track Stars to Compete on National Stage

Adidas and New Balance will host respective national events this week.

Lawrenceburg Girls Soccer Wins Team of the Year Award

The Tigers were recognized at the Cincinnati Enquirer High School Sports Awards on Wednesday.

On Air

Rick Bernius playing
Kip Moore - Bad Spot

Brantley Gilbert One Hell of an Amen 15:52
Shania Twain Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under 15:48
Conner Smith Creek Will Rise 15:43
Chris Young Til The Last One Dies 15:40