Posted by: Maria/ MD Health Forum.com Team
Many of us consider the Internet as the most brilliant innovation in the history of mankind. Whether we admit it or not, the Internet has significantly changed almost every aspect of our lives. Although we enjoy the convenience it provides, much debate surrounds its possible consequences on the society. There are a number of reports that associate social isolation with Internet use. In addition, there has been an increasing concern about what could happen when the line is crossed between average use and addiction. A study published in the February edition of Psychology will give us a picture of how Internet addiction can take a toll on mental health.
Psychologists from the University of Leeds found evidence that links Internet addiction with depressive symptoms. For this study, Dr Catriona Morrison and her colleagues evaluated Internet use and depression levels of 1,319 respondents aged 16-51, with an average age of 21. Using an online questionnaire, the investigators measured participants’ Internet use, the functions for which they used the Internet, and their depressive tendencies. Eighteen (1.2%) of the respondents were classified as Internet addicts.
Results show that the respondents who have developed a compulsive Internet habits tend to replace real-life social interaction with online chat and social networking sites. This type of addictive surfing can have serious effects on mental health.
According to Dr. Morrison, the lead author of the study, a small percentage of the population are unable to control how much time they spend online, to the point where it interferes with their daily activities. The respondents identified as Internet addicts spent more time on sex, gambling and online community websites. This group had a higher incidence of moderate to severe depression than those who are not addicted to the Internet.
The study was able show the association of excessive internet use and depressive symptoms, but Dr Morrison pointed out that something is not yet clear. It is not yet known which comes first- are depressed people more drawn to the net, or does the internet itself cause depression? However, the researchers believe that their study suggests that excessive use of the Internet could be a warning signal for depressive tendencies.
In 2008, the public was alarmed by the incidents of copycat suicides among teenagers in Bridgend, South Wales. This has led many to speculate whether social networking sites are partly responsible for the teenagers’ depressive thoughts. Based on the Leeds study, young people were more likely to develop Internet addiction than the middle-aged users.
Dr. Morrison stated that their findings will reinforce public speculation that spending too much time on websites that tend to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological problems. The author also pointed out that there is a need to consider the wider societal implications of this relationship and clearly establish the impact of excessive Internet use on mental health.
To me, the findings of the Leeds study prove that Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was absolutely correct when he said that “everything in excess is opposed to nature.” I personally spend a lot of time on the net. It saves me from time-consuming errands such as taking public transport to get to the bank, malls or government offices. I feel so blessed to live in a country where I could do almost everything online. If it’s possible to do household chores using the net, believe me, I wouldn’t bother getting off my reclining chair. Reading about the internet addiction study seriously got me worried about my own mental health. Because of that, I took an online internet addiction test. The good news is that based on the result, I am not classified an internet addict. However, I’m not exactly jumping for joy because the numbers suggest that I am “experiencing occasional or frequent problems because of the Internet.” I think that simply means that I should get a life.
We all know that the internet is here to stay. For sure there will be more studies that would further reveal the dark side of internet use. I believe that experts will not suggest that we completely eliminate internet use from our system, that would be too harsh, wouldn’t it? It’s quite likely that they will advise us not to cross the line, and perhaps remind us that real life is not bad at all.
References:
http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?doi=10.1159/000277001 accessed 24.2.10
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article3234692.ece accessed 24.2.10
http://www.netaddiction.com/
Photo credit: Federico Morando
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Tags: depression, excessive internet use, internet addiction, Mental Health, suicide
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