University of Duisburg-Essen study finds excessive online use raises stress
A new study out today found that spending too much time online, whether it's gaming, scrolling social media, or shopping, can actually raise your stress levels and leave you feeling down.
Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen tracked 900 adults in Germany and noticed that people who struggled to control their internet use often ended up skipping important things in real life.
Researchers recommend managing online urges
The study looked at three types of internet habits: pathological (where it starts to impact your daily life or mental health), risky, or non-problematic.
People with problematic use reported more stress, worse moods, and spent way more time online.
The main culprit? That quick hit of relief or pleasure when you give in to temptation.
The researchers suggest learning how to manage these urges could really help.
Co-author Silke M. Muller adds that most internet use is totally fine, but don't forget about exercise or hanging out with friends if you want to keep things balanced.