Do you feel moody and don't understand it? The key is perhaps closer than you think. Research reveals that problematic internet use is linked to increased stress and decreased emotional well-being. This cycle perpetuates itself as people resort to staying online as a way to escape their problems, aggravating their situation.
The study, published in the journal PLOS One and carried out with 900 German adults, indicates that people who use the Internet in a problematic way are more stressed, have a worse mood and are more likely to neglect other aspects of their life.
It is also emphasized that online interactions are less effective in cultivating friendships compared to face-to-face interactions; and this phenomenon can contribute to feeling isolated and decreased social support.
The research even sheds light on a problem that is not classified as a disorder, but arguably should be, says Silke Müller, a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Duisburg-Essen and co-author of the study.
Strategies for managing the internet
Various strategies are suggested to counteract problematic internet use, such as identifying triggers and implementing screen-free blocks of time. These practices can enrich people's quality of life.
Experts such as psychologist Parin Kamdar, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Princeton, New Jersey, point out that problematic Internet use is similar to eating disorders, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
This makes it difficult to treat the problem, the researcher indicated in an email reported by CNN, because “these impulses usually operate at a subconscious and habitual level.”
Therefore, the importance of looking for healthier alternatives to time on the Internet is highlighted, as well as the effectiveness of therapy in managing the impulse to connect. Disconnecting from technology is presented as a path to a more balanced and satisfying life.
They recommend, at least, putting into practice a very simple test: unplug the router on a weekend afternoon and play board games with your family.
Signs of problematic internet use
The most common signs of problematic Internet use are: spending much more time online than you planned, feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot access the Internet, and the use beginning to affect your sleep, study, work, or relationships. It's also a red flag if you try to cut back and can't, if you lie about how much time you spend online, or if you stop doing things you used to enjoy.
When to worry more. You may want to pay more attention if your use is already causing repeated problems in your daily life, such as frequent arguments, poor performance, social isolation, or loss of interest in offline activities. It's also important if the internet has become your primary way to escape from stress, sadness, or anxiety.
What can you do? Try measuring your actual connection time for a week, setting screen-free schedules and seeing if you can meet them without severe discomfort. If you notice that you can't control it, or that it's affecting your sleep, mood, or relationships, talking to a mental health professional can help.
