Study Shows Link Between , Using the Internet as an Escape , and Increased Depressive Symptoms.
A new study suggests that
long-term internet escapism can lead
to emotional issues such as depression. .
PsyPost reports that the research showed a link between
people who use the internet as an escape and higher
levels of problematic internet use and depression. .
The study, published in the journal 'Computers in Human
Behavior,' specifically explored how using the internet
as a distraction and depressive symptomology interact. .
The study, published in the journal 'Computers in Human
Behavior,' specifically explored how using the internet
as a distraction and depressive symptomology interact. .
Problematic internet usage is defined as
when a person loses control over their internet
usage to the point that it interferes with their life. .
It includes playing video games
and using social media,
in addition to general internet use. .
It includes playing video games
and using social media,
in addition to general internet use. .
Chronically using the internet to disconnect
from worries may work as an emotional
buffer to mitigate negative emotionality
in the short run, but at the cost of
consolidating a problematic use
of technology, and depressive
symptoms if it becomes a habit, Cristóbal Hernández, study author, via PsyPost.
PsyPost points out that the study was conducted during
the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a time
when both stress levels and internet usage were way up. .
PsyPost points out that the study was conducted during
the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a time
when both stress levels and internet usage were way up. .
According to the authors of the study, the findings
highlight the importance of taking into account a person's
intention and state of mind when using the internet. .
According to the authors of the study, the findings
highlight the importance of taking into account a person's
intention and state of mind when using the internet. .
Experts suggest that future studies
be conducted to see if the results can be
replicated outside of the context of COVID-19.
