Some professionals argue against the negative impact of the internet on individuals.
"A large research project including over two million individuals from 160+ countries found that those who have access to the internet and actively use it report enhanced well-being across eight various categories such as life satisfaction and their social life," said Dr. Matti Vuorre, an assistant professor of social psychology at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, in an email. This newly published study in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior challenges the widely held belief that internet-based technologies are driving a wave of health issues.
Contrary to the popular belief that the internet contributes to a growing number of issues related to mental health, Vuorre's study shows that the connection between home or mobile internet usage and well-being can be quite complex. The study suggests that individuals with reliable internet connections and who use it actively recorded higher levels of well-being across several aspects of their lives. It's important to note that this study was observational in nature and therefore can't establish a direct connection between internet access and happiness, but encompassed an extensive analysis of the data to account for potential confounding variables - such as income level.
This research remains informative as 85% of the various methods used in its data analysis demonstrated that people who have access to and utilize the internet tend to report a higher level of well-being when compared to those without internet access.
Dr. Markus Appel, a professor of the psychology of communication and new media at the University of Würzburg in Germany, who wasn't associated with the project, acknowledged the value of a global perspective and robust data analysis. However, he also pointed out that not all studies have yielded affirmative results on the relationship between digital internet usage and well-being.
"The online world is not inherently destructive or beneficial to well-being. It comes down to how each individual utilizes the internet," Appel said.
The researchers acknowledge that there needs to be further investigation into the subtle differences in the relationship between internet usage and comfort levels, as the diverse functions of the internet can have various effects on well-being. While people are increasingly turning to the web for many aspects of life such as online banking, shopping and news, there are relatively few opportunities to fully understand the pros and cons. This emerging phenomenon calls for more thorough study, according to Vuorre.
Despite the range of scientific findings regarding internet use and well-being, Vuorre advises caution before we put rigid limitations on the technology.
"While it's natural to be concerned about the potential downsides of the internet amid pressing societal issues, the evidence highlights a more nuanced and mixed view. For the best user experience, being mindful of our relationship with online platforms is critical. When a specific activity on the internet makes you feel down, it's essential to recognize this and adjust your actions accordingly," explained Appel.
Echoing Vuorre's sentiments, Appel wants people to be mindful of their online interactions and monitor any negative effects. Similar to how we change our eating or exercise patterns when we're not feeling well, it's crucial to be aware of the impact of our internet usage and take proactive measures to maintain our well-being. Preliminary findings suggest that limiting one's time online, choosing to read positive articles or focusing on real-world tasks can help nurture a more positive and healthy approach to the intersection of technology and well-being. Reminding ourselves that we have the power to tailor our experiences with this dynamic aspect of life is a key first step.
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Despite the mixed findings in various studies, this research underscores the potential positive impact of the internet on individuals' well-being when used actively and responsibly. Implementing strategies like limiting online time, focusing on positive content, and being mindful of one's internet usage can contribute to enhanced wellness.
Source: edition.cnn.com
