Psychologists from the University of Leeds can found that people who spend a lot of time browsing the net are more likely to show depressive symptoms.
Striking evidence shows that some users have developed a compulsive Internet habit, whereby they replace real-life social interaction with online chat rooms and social networking sites. The results suggest that this type of addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health. Clearly, the Internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side.
While many use the Internet to pay bills, shop and send emails, there is a small subset of the population who find it hard to control how much time they spend online, to the point where it interferes with their daily activities. These 'Internet addicts' spend proportionately more time browsing sexually gratifying websites, online gaming sites and online communities. They also have a higher incidence of moderate to severe depression than non-addicted users.
The research indicates that excessive Internet use is associated with depression, but what comes first, depression or Internet addiction – are depressed people drawn to the Internet or does the Internet cause depression – is yet to be known. What is clear though; is that for a small subset of people, excessive use of the Internet could be a warning signal for depressive tendencies.
This study reinforces the public speculation that over-engaging in websites that serve to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological disorders like depression and addiction.
The wider societal implications of this relationship and the effects of excessive Internet use on mental health still need to be considered seriously and clearly.
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