Compulsive Internet Usage May Lead to Anxiety and Depression

Staying online far too long can spark negative behavioral reactions.

Stuck online? Do you always feel the need to be connected to your work server in case you miss an important email? Then you may be one of the many who suffer from compulsive Internet usage. According to Science Daily, this is when people use the Internet to catch up with work.

Researchers Dr. Cristina Quinones-Garcia of Northampton Business School and Professor Nada Korac-Kakabadse of Henley Business School looked into how constantly being online affected one’s behavioral health. They surveyed 516 employed and unemployed men and women between the ages 18 and 65 about their Internet usage, their emotional stability, and their work-life balance and satisfaction.

According to the results, over 60 percent of the participants are compulsive Internet users, which was commonly linked to excessive working. “Those individuals who use technology to work beyond office hours tend to be highly successful in their jobs, but have a high risk of developing other problems,” the researchers warn.

The study also revealed that there are symptoms of withdrawal when the connection is cut. People who were reported to be at this level of reliance were more prone to depression and anxiety.

The solution? Learn how to disconnect. Turn off your Wifi, phones and other gadgets. Go outside and stop to smell the flowers. In this way, you can achieve better life satisfaction.

Source: femalenetwork.com, alternet.org

(Image credit: femalenetwork)