Excessive Internet Use Linked to Elevated Stress Levels and Declining Mood - Sarmad

A recent scientific study revealed that excessive internet use may be linked to heightened stress levels, deteriorated mood, and an increased likelihood of neglecting daily activities, emphasizing that the problem lies not in internet use itself, but in its transformation into a compulsive behavior that affects various aspects of life.

Sputnik News Agency reported that the study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, was conducted by researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany and involved approximately 900 adults. Its aim was to examine internet usage patterns across multiple domains, including social media platforms, video games, e-commerce, and other digital services.

The researchers categorized participants into three groups based on their usage patterns: normal users, those with risky usage, and individuals with problematic usage. The latter group exhibited patterns where internet use began to negatively impact mental health and daily activities.

Participants were asked to document their daily status over a two-week period, recording their stress levels, mood, number of hours spent online, enjoyment during browsing, and whether their usage led to the neglect of other activities.

The study’s results showed that individuals who used the internet excessively spent more time browsing and were more prone to feeling stressed and in a bad mood. They also participated less in physical activities and social interactions compared to other participants.

Researchers noted that the persistent desire to stay connected to the internet was the primary driver behind excessive use, more so than using it as a means to escape stress or improve mood. They pointed out that these findings align with previous research linking addictive internet use to changes in neural activity and compulsive behaviors, particularly among younger populations.

These results underscore the importance of promoting balanced internet and digital media use, which contributes to preserving mental health and encouraging participation in social and daily activities.