Exploring the Positive Side of Internet Usage: Insights from Experts
While the negative effects of social media and internet usage are well-known, experts shed light on the overlooked benefits and balanced perspective of online activities.
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But wait, is the internet really ruining our lives? A recent study suggests otherwise.
Lead study author Dr. Matti Vuorre, assistant professor of social psychology at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, shared that many believe internet-powered technologies are causing mental health issues. However, their research involving over two million individuals from 160+ countries found evidence against this common belief.
People who have access to home internet and/or mobile internet and regularly use the internet tend to have higher levels of well-being in various aspects, such as life satisfaction and social interactions. This finding was revealed in a study published in the journal Technology, Mind, and Behavior on Monday.
The study, which involved analyzing data from nearly 2.5 million individuals in 168 countries, used the annual Gallup World Poll. The main question researchers sought to answer was whether individuals who actively use the internet and have access to it experience higher or lower levels of well-being compared to those who do not have such access.
"We analyzed the data in tens of thousands of different ways because even a simple question can have many statistical answers," he explained.
According to the research, about 85% of the ways of analyzing the numbers showed that individuals who have and use the internet tend to report higher levels of well-being compared to those who do not.
The global perspective is valuable, according to Dr. Markus Appel, a professor at the University of Würzburg in Germany who specializes in psychology of communication and new media. He noted the strong data analysis in the research, although he was not part of the study.
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Research has also indicated that the relationship between using cell phones and how it impacts our well-being can differ from person to person.
“The internet is neither a curse (nor) a blessing for people’s well-being,” Appel said. “It depends on what people do with it.”
Online users report greater well-being
This study was observational, which means that the data does not prove that having internet access directly leads to improved well-being. There could be other factors at play that contribute to this connection.
According to Vuorre, "Our findings could just mean that people who have more financial resources, access to healthcare, and other factors tend to report higher levels of well-being."
Researchers took into consideration factors like income levels in their data analysis. Despite this adjustment, they still discovered that internet users generally reported higher levels of well-being compared to non-internet users, according to Vuorre.
Wondering whether to disconnect from the internet or keep scrolling?
The internet is used for many things such as online banking, shopping, finding services, reading the news, and cyberbullying. These various uses can have different effects on well-being, according to Vuorre.
Life has rapidly shifted online, leaving little time to fully understand all the impacts of the internet, he added.
Vuorre pointed out that as a society and/or academic scientists, we often lack the time to thoroughly understand and develop methods to address each panic, leading to a lack of sufficient knowledge to inform policy and draw confident conclusions. He emphasized the need for caution in these situations.
Numerous studies have highlighted troubling links between the use of social media and mental health, especially among the younger demographic. Engaging in constant comparison of one's own life with the curated images of others on social media platforms has been shown to have a negative impact on mood.
Group of people using and looking at mobile phone and tablet pc while sitting together
Group of people using and looking at mobile phone and tablet pc while sitting together
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Teens are constantly dealing with challenges on social media that can feel overwhelming. To help them navigate this digital landscape, it's important to find ways to moderate their use effectively.
Before jumping to strict restrictions on teens' computer and phone usage, it's crucial to conduct more research on the possible negative impacts as well as the positive benefits, according to Vuorre.
He added that while some may believe in strict restrictions on technology use, our research and others show a more balanced perspective. To make the most of your time online, Appel suggests paying attention to how you feel.
“If you sense that some activity on the internet makes you feel sad or envious — stop it. Look out for something else,” Appel added.
Editor's P/S:
The article presents an intriguing perspective on the relationship between internet use and well-being. While many studies have suggested a negative impact of the internet on mental health, this research challenges that notion, highlighting the potential benefits of internet access and usage. The findings indicate that individuals with internet access tend to experience higher levels of life satisfaction and social interactions.
However, it's important to note that the study is observational, meaning it cannot establish a direct causal link between internet use and improved well-being. It's possible that other factors, such as financial resources and access to healthcare, may also contribute to the reported higher levels of well-being among internet users. Additionally, the study does not differentiate between different types of internet use, which may have varying effects on well-being. Further research is needed to explore the specific activities and aspects of internet usage that contribute to positive outcomes.
