Internet Surfing Linked to Depression
Feb-04-2010

A "dark side" to the internet suggests a strong link between time spent surfing the web and depression, say psychologists.

British scientists found that the longer people spent online, the less likely they were to be happy.

A small group of the worst affected individuals were both depressed and addicted.

But it was not clear whether using the internet causes mental health problems, or whether people with mental health problems are drawn to the internet.

More work is needed to answer this "chicken and egg" question, say the researchers.

Study leader Dr Catriona Morrison, from the Institute of Psychological Sciences at the University of Leeds, said: "The internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side."

The scientists employed the internet to carry out their research.

An online questionnaire was used to assess levels of internet dependency and depression in 1,319 individuals ranging in age from 16 to 51.

In general, the longer people spent online the more depressed they tended to be, the scientists found.

"There was a high correspondence between the amount of time spent on the internet and levels of depression," said Dr Morrison. "If you look at how dependent people feel they are on the internet that is likely to correspond with how happy or sad they feel."

source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/uk-ireland/internet-use-linked-to-depression-14664102.html

Posted by Staff at 12:00 AM - Link to this entry  |  Share this entry  |  Print