(n.d.). Retrieved from http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/depression1.jpeg.
Researchers have found a striking amount of evidence that
some users of the Internet have developed compulsive Internet habits, whereby
they replace real-life social interaction with online chat rooms and social
networking. This addictive surfing can have a serious impact on mental health. According to Catriona Morrison, lead author of Psychopathology, "The Internet now plays a huge part in modern life, but its benefits are accompanied by a darker side" (Hendrick, 2010).
There is a small subset of the population that finds it hard to control the
amount of time they spend online. This amount of time can interfere with their
daily activities as well. Research suggest that this small subset of people
also have a higher incidence of moderate to severe depression than users of the
Internet that are not considered addicts.
For many, Internet use is not hazardous. That is not the case for everyone. “What is clear, is that for a small subset of people,
excessive use of the Internet could be a warning signal for depressive
tendencies” (Gabbatt, 2010). Among teenagers, suicide can be occasionally linked to the
questioning of depressive thoughts contributed to by social networking sites.
“This study reinforces the public speculation that over-engaging in websites
that serve to replace normal social function might be linked to psychological
disorders like depression and addiction” (Gabbatt, 2010).
(n.d.). Retrieved from http://mohawkwindmill.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/internet-addiction-depression2.jpg.
Clinical samples and surveys report that males are more
prone to becoming addicted to the Internet. Psychiatric co-morbidity is common. In particular, mood, anxiety, impulse control and substance-use disorders are also seen. The onset for this addiction is suggested to be around early 20s to early 30s. This is mainly linked with the depression aspect contributing to
part of the addiction.
Moving past this addiction, as well as depression, is easier said than done. Addicts must first realize that they have an issue. However, they may find help and comfort in the fact that they are not the only one dealing with this addiction, and they are not the only one weighed down by depression. Becoming interested in hobbies that do not involve the Internet is one key step to trying to move past this addiction. Perhaps the best way to move past these issues is to ask for help from family and friends.
Sources
Gabbatt, A. (2010, February 3). Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2010/feb/03/excessive-internet-use-depression.
Hendrick, B. ((2010, February 4). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20100204/internet-addiction-linked-to-depression.
Saisan, J., Smith, M., Robinson, L., & Segal, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/internet_cybersex_addiction.htm.
This blog is sad, and I hope these people who have to go through depression get the right help they need. Actually, this speaks to me a lot because my sister has trouble communicating in real life situations so she turned to the internet and now she does not have a social life at all. The best you can do is be there for the person because sometimes it can be a real lonely world for them.
ReplyDeleteI understand internet addiction. When I first joined Facebook a few years ago, I "lived" on that website. I wanted to read all my "friends'" posts or wish them all a happy birthday, etc. If I missed a day of logging on, it drove me crazy. I got sick of myself because I eventually realized I never cared about communicating with 95% of those people. I have since snapped out of that chaotic mindset. I still have a Facebook profile, but I rarely use it because there's is very little quality information being shared. It now bothers me when I spend time with people, and every couple of hours someone wants to pose for a picture to post on Facebook. On a different note, I think any addiction can lead to depression. Once you lose control of some facet of your life, negative emotions tend to result.
ReplyDeleteThe internet does supply an overwhelming and endless amount of entertainment and wants to people at their own disposal but like anything else in life, there is a limitation of use that is implied. I could understand a teenager learning to control excessive uses but an adult should be able to control and limit their use of time on the internet. I personally use the internet daily, wether it's on the phone, ipad or computer. But it always for a purpose. Whether, it is for school, work, or shopping. I make sure that if I am shopping online, I know what I am shopping for, so that I do not linger for hours online. That is where the addiction problem can start.
ReplyDeleteI think that internet depression will be more prevalent for teenagers today than for people in their 20s-30s. Many younger people today only feel comfortable to socialize through social media and the internet. When these people do not learn real social skills and do not hang out with friends in public, this can soon lead to depression.
ReplyDeleteI have heard of some people who use the internet and join "virtual websites" where they take on the personality of a character and live in a world through the internet. I think websites like this can also lead to depression because people need true interaction in order to be happy.
I agree with Diana, this post is sad. Depression is no joke and it is important for us to be aware of potential causes. I spend some amount of time on the website, reddit. Though not an inherently evil website, there is plenty of discussion about how it can take over your life, affect your ability to sleep, and replace social interaction. Those deeply involved in the site are clearly not happy individuals, and the stereotypical redditor is a cynic. I suppose the moral here is that even if their is a community of people doing it, getting too deeply involved in any webstie can be hazardous to your mental health.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I am somewhat addicted to the internet. I have many hobbies and I use the internet almost constantly as a learning source for these hobbies and other things. I see the potential danger of using the internet excessively, but currently I do not see it as a link to depression for myself, it actually brings a lot of joy and knowledge to my life. This post is very relevant today however, with such a huge portion of peoples lives being virtual.
ReplyDeleteI also feel like I am addicted to the internet. I have to check my social medias as soon as I wake up and if my phone dies I go crazy! I also believe that this can be the cause of some people becoming depressed. I think this is more of an issue when people ONLY resort to communicating through the internet. Having social medias and the internet while also behaving in physical environments is definitely the way to be a healthy human in this technological age.
ReplyDeleteThis finding that the internet can lead to depression does not surprise me. I believe social networking has a lot to do with it. People spend so much time on social networks that they lose a sense of their own realities. I also read recently that Facebook in particular can cause depression because people see other peoples posts about events in their lives and the person reading it will think they aren't as exciting as the other person. In reality, though, most people try to make their lives look more exciting than it actually is for this reason. I hope this epidemic does not grow and that we can regain control of our minds and emotions.
ReplyDeleteI believe in the past 2 years i have been using internet everyday. We use technology in our daily basis. Internet in the phone, computer and also some tv have internet. it is hard to avoid it, we are in a modern world. the only thing we can do is to consume it in the right way without abusing it so we wont be addicted nor desperate.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that internet use can lead to depression. If people are sitting on the internet all day rather than going out and actually living their lives, I can see why it would be easy to become depressed. I also believe that the depression can occur from the lack of motivation a person may have to want to do other things. People who spend a lot of time on the internet also tend to get less than the recommended daily amount of physical activity which can also lead to depression.
ReplyDelete