Online Excess Linked to Stress and Poor Mood
· news
Excessive Time Spent Online Linked to Stress and Worse Mood – Study
The modern obsession with online activities has reached a fever pitch, with many people spending hours each day scrolling through social media feeds, watching videos, and engaging in online shopping. But what happens when this excessive use becomes pathological? A recent study published in PLOS One found that the consequences are stark: higher stress levels, worse mood, and neglect of other activities that contribute to overall wellbeing.
The study surveyed 900 German adults who reported engaging in various online activities, including gaming, pornography use, social network use, or online shopping at least once in the last year. Researchers labeled their internet use as either pathological, risky, or non-problematic based on frequency of usage and defined problematic internet usage as excessive use leading to functional impairment or distress.
The findings are disturbing but not surprising. Participants with more severe problematic internet usage reported worse mood, increased stress, longer internet use times, and greater neglect of other areas of life. The study also revealed that temptation was the primary driver for continued internet use, with feelings of pleasure and relief emerging as reinforcing factors.
Researchers emphasized the importance of understanding why individuals at risk of problematic internet use go online at particular moments. Their research suggests that daily stress, mood, and temptation can predict a person’s daily internet usage, as well as how these factors affect daily pleasure, relief, and neglect of other activities.
Not all types of internet usage have negative outcomes, but rather problematic or excessive usage is the issue at hand. A small percentage of internet users develop pathological use patterns, and using the internet can indeed bring joy, fun, and relief from stress when used in moderation.
However, this study’s findings should serve as a warning to policymakers and industry leaders. The constant stream of notifications, likes, and comments can be addictive, and our brains are wired to respond to instant gratification. This can have serious consequences for mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing.
Previous studies have suggested that young people with internet addiction experience changes in their brain chemistry, leading to more addictive behaviors. The study’s results confirm this hypothesis, highlighting the need for early intervention and prevention strategies.
Helping individuals recognize and manage moments of temptation may be more effective than solely focusing on stress or mood alone. This approach aligns with many people who have struggled to disconnect from the digital world. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we prioritize mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing in an increasingly online-dominated society.
The era of excessive connectivity has only just begun, but it’s time to confront its consequences head-on. By acknowledging the hidden costs of online excess and taking proactive steps towards prevention, we can create a healthier digital landscape that benefits us all.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
The study's findings are consistent with our understanding of human behavior, yet what's striking is the normalization of excessive internet use. We often forget that compulsive behaviors have roots in underlying issues – anxiety, loneliness, or lack of meaningful engagement. The study hints at this, but more attention should be given to the role of technology companies and their algorithms that exploit these vulnerabilities. By perpetuating endless scrolling and notifications, they create a perfect storm for problematic internet use.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The study's findings should come as little surprise to anyone who's ever spent hours binge-watching their favorite show or scrolling through social media feeds, only to feel a nagging sense of guilt and anxiety afterwards. What's less clear is how individuals can break this cycle of excessive internet use and cultivate healthier online habits. One potential solution lies in redefining the purpose of our online activities: instead of mindless scrolling, we could approach these tasks with intentionality and mindfulness, setting limits on usage and prioritizing offline pursuits that bring us joy and fulfillment.
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
While the study highlights the dangers of excessive online activity, it's essential to note that not all screen time is created equal. The distinctions between pathological, risky, and non-problematic internet use are clear, but what about those in-between moments when browsing or social media checking becomes a mindless habit? By failing to account for these nuances, the study oversimplifies the relationship between online behavior and mental health. A more granular analysis of how individuals navigate these gray areas could provide valuable insights into developing targeted interventions and more effective coping strategies.