Excessive time spent online linked to stress and worse mood – study

A German study published in the journal PLOS One has found a link between excessive online usage and increased stress levels, worsened mood, and neglect of other activities among adults in Germany. Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen surveyed 900 participants who engaged in gaming, pornography, social networking, or online shopping at least once in the past year. Problematic internet use was defined as excessive use that leads to functional impairment or distress.

Participants were asked to assess their mood, stress, temptation to engage in problematic internet use, and time spent online every evening for two weeks. The study also measured pleasure derived from internet use and neglect of other activities. Severe problematic internet usage was associated with worse mood, higher stress, longer online usage times, and greater neglect of other life aspects.

Temptation was identified as the primary driver for continued internet use, with feelings of pleasure and relief serving as reinforcing factors. Lead author Andreas Oelker stated, "It's the momentary urge to go online that determines whether people engage in online activities and experience both rewarding and harmful consequences."

The researchers found that daily stress, mood, and temptation could predict a person's daily internet usage and its effects on pleasure, relief, and neglect of other activities. While not all online activities have negative outcomes, excessive usage could lead to problematic patterns. Silke M. Müller, co-author of the study, emphasized that while using the internet can bring joy and relief, neglecting essential life areas such as exercise, outdoor time, and social activities is detrimental to overall well-being and health.