What we follow online has a greater impact on our health and well-being than the time we spend online. For example, certain content can lead to poorer concentration and lower self-esteem.
A new study involving experts from Harvard University has evaluated a large number of studies and systematic reviews to provide an overview of the effects of Internet use on psychological, cognitive and social aspects. The results are published in the journal “World Psychiatry”.
More and more people online
The mass and widespread use of internet-enabled devices around the world highlights the importance of further studying the effects of internet use on human cognition and mental health, the team reports.
For example, it is possible that certain content on the Internet may be harmless for some people, while it may be harmful for others.
According to the researchers, this applies, for example, to the effects of photos that promote unrealistic body shapes and which are particularly problematic for people who are prone to eating disorders or have low self-esteem.
In the new study, experts focused on topics such as fear of missing out, manipulation of behavior and views through social media, perceived isolation, social comparisons and the effects on the body.
Problematic use of the Internet
As an example of the different effects of Internet use on different people, the researchers cite the following two scenarios.
In the first example, a teen spends a total of four hours per day online, during which time they are constantly confronted with distracting notifications and scroll through a variety of content in ephemeral media that is algorithmically targeted to their vices or insecurities, the team explains.
This can lead to those affected having difficulty concentrating on important tasks, developing problems with their body image or generally having lower self-esteem.
Positive effects of internet use
“In the second scenario, an older adult spends exactly the same four hours a day online, but instead uses that time to form new social relationships and access educational content, which has positive effects on their wellbeing and even their brain function,” adds study author Professor Lee Smith in a press release.
This shows that the effects on people can be very different, even if they spend the same amount of time on the Internet.
Revise Internet usage guidelines
The new insights into how internet use affects wellbeing and brain health could help develop more concrete policies and strategies to shape internet use to maximise benefits and minimise risks, adds Professor Smith.
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“Right now, many Internet usage policies and recommendations focus on limiting the time we spend online,” adds study author Dr. Josh A. Firth.
Although it makes sense in principle to limit the use of digital devices and instead spend time on healthy activities, the new study shows that the type of Internet use is apparently much more important than the length of time spent online.
The study helps to explain how the positive or negative effects of Internet use on a person are influenced by simple factors such as age and socio-demographic status and by the type of Internet use, concludes Professor Smith. (as)