German Study Links Excessive Online Activity to Stress and Negative Mood

• Excessive internet use is linked to higher stress levels, worse mood, and neglect of other activities.
• Problematic internet usage was defined as excessive online activity causing functional impairment or distress.
• Temptation was found to be the main driver for continued internet use, with pleasure and relief acting as reinforcing factors.
• The study emphasizes recognizing and managing moments of temptation as more effective than focusing on stress or mood alone.

Study Details and Methodology

A new study by academics at the University of Duisburg-Essen, published in the journal PLOS One, surveyed 900 German adults who reported engaging in gaming, pornography use, social network use, or online shopping at least once in the previous year. The participants were assessed over a two-week period to examine how excessive internet use affects daily life.

Depending on the frequency of their usage, the internet use was categorized as either pathological, risky, or non-problematic. Problematic internet usage, which includes both pathological and risky usage, was defined by the study as the excessive use of online applications to the point of functional impairment or distress. The participants were asked to complete an assessment every evening for two weeks, where they reported their mood and stress levels, temptation to engage in problematic internet use, and how much time they spent on the internet.

Additionally, the assessment measured whether any other activities had been neglected due to excessive online activity.

Findings on Negative Impacts

The study found that individuals with more severe problematic internet usage experienced worse moods, higher stress levels, longer internet use times, and greater neglect of other areas of life. Andreas Oelker, a co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of understanding why people engage in online activities at particular moments: 'More than actual stress or mood alone, it is the momentary urge to go online that determines whether people engage in online activities and experience both rewarding and harmful consequences.'

Andreas Oelker further emphasized the significance of recognizing these moments: 'Understanding why individuals at risk of problematic internet use go online at particular moments is essential for developing better prevention and treatment strategies. Our findings suggest that helping people recognize and manage moments of temptation may be more effective than focusing on stress or mood alone.' The study’s participants reported a variety of reasons for their online activity, with many citing the need to escape daily stress or seeking pleasure and relief.

Drivers of Internet Use and Management Strategies

The researchers also discovered that temptation was a key driver for continued internet use. Other factors such as pleasure and relief, which acted as reinforcing elements, were also identified. Silke M. Müller, another co-author, noted the significance of recognizing and managing these moments: 'Helping people recognize and manage moments of temptation may be more effective than focusing on stress or mood alone.' These findings align with previous research that suggests young people with internet addiction experience changes in their brain chemistry, leading to more addictive behaviors.

Participants who showed signs of problematic internet use often neglected essential duties and responsibilities. Silke M. Müller, co-author of the study, noted: 'We’d like to note that only a small percentage of internet users develop pathological use patterns. Using the internet brings joy, fun, and/or relief from stress in an enriching way as long as other important areas of life are not systematically neglected.' These areas include not only essential duties and responsibilities but also other activities proven to have positive effects on wellbeing and health.

Conclusion and Implications for Prevention and Treatment

The study confirms that daily stress, mood, and temptation can predict a person's internet usage and the impact these factors have on daily pleasure, relief, and neglect of other activities. The findings underscore the importance of addressing problematic internet use through targeted prevention and treatment strategies.