UK psychologists have found a strong link between internet use and Depression.
The study conducted at Leeds University found that 1.2% of people surveyed were “internet addicts” and many of these were depressed.
1319 people responded to an online questionnaire via links on social networking sites. People were asked how much they used the internet and for what purposes.
They were also asked a series of questions to assess whether they suffered from depression.
18 respondents- 1.2% of the total- were considered “internet addicts”
The internet addicts were siginificantly more depressed than the non-addicted group, with a depression score five times higher.
Lead author Dr Catriona Morrison said: “Our research indicates that excessive internet use is associated with depression, but what we don’t know is which comes first - are depressed people drawn to the internet or does the internet cause depression?”
Read more on BBC news 3 Feb 2010
8 responses so far ↓
1 JR // Mar 11, 2010 at 11:14 am
I’d say depressed people are drawn to internet~ I know I have found that I am on in more because it affords me a place wher I dont need to feel quite as worthless as i do in my normal day to day life. I strated using it more during my first bout of depression.
2 jesse // Mar 11, 2010 at 4:25 pm
I agree, the internet was a godsend when I was really depressed and had no confidence. And I was able to get in touch with other people who felt the same as me through the internet so I didnt feel so alone. Maybe I could have been described as a bit addicted but it came out of a need for human contact and there are worse things to be addicted to!!
3 Chris // Mar 11, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Any addiction can lead to poor mental health, and increase succeptibility to depression. Internet addiction is likely to affect diet, levels of activity, levels of natural light received…all of which are protective factors for mental health.
The internet has great potential for promoting mental health and assisting people in recovery. But we need to be mindful of risks and opportunities for everything.
I feel it’s more than likely that the web helps people with depression to overcome depression and retain social capital and relationships. It certainly has (and does) me.
4 CP // Mar 11, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Like everything in life - moderation is the key. The internet allows people feeling depressed to keep up social contact with others - email, web forums, etc. The important thing though (for me) is to remember to use other forms of communication when life feels a bit easier.
5 peter // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:50 am
Interesting thory. I have suffered from mild to severe depression for 15 years and I am a prolific user of the internet. My wife is of the opinion that it actually makes me worse.
I am not sure but perhaps it is a tool that helps you avoid contact with the outside world and helps you stay in touch without actual contact.
An interesting debate and one which no doubt will have much thought and dialogue.
A
6 Jeffrey Brown // Mar 12, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Interesting, maybe it does, maybe it doesn’t. You can certainly avoid more by using the net, you can get everything you need on-line, food, clothes, conversation….. You can be more assertive on-line too in e-mails etc. Sure hours and hours on the net do nothing for aiding relaxation, especially before bed, but the world wide web is so intriguing! I’d be lost without it. What do you think??
7 dave // Mar 13, 2010 at 5:02 pm
I reckon the internet and television keep people up late when they should be in bed causing extreme tiredness the following day . Thisbecomes a cycle which is hard to break . I know , because i have been there . I still suffer from depression but not nearly so badly as I did when I was having late nights .
8 jesse // Mar 17, 2010 at 11:37 am
@Jeffrey Brown it’s strange to think that 10 - 15 years ago most of us didn’t have the internet at all. I was fine without it but I can’t imagine living without it now! Okay maybe I am a little addicted LOL but I’m still glad it was around during the worst of my depression.
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