People described as 'problematic' Internet users report higher stress, worse mood, and greater neglect of other activities than those who surf the web sparingly, according to a study published July 29 in the open access journal PLOS One by Silke M. Müller from the University Hospital Essen, Germany, and colleagues. These users also reported a stronger temptation to return to the Internet.
Problematic Internet usage is defined by using online applications such as gaming, gambling, pornography use, social network use, and shopping online excessively to the point of functional impairment or distress. Researchers say that individuals may seek out the Internet to alleviate stress or a bad mood, forming habits that can evolve into cycles. The severity of problematic internet usage can vary; in its most extreme forms it leads to neglect in other areas of life.
Müller and colleagues conducted their study with 900 German adults who had engaged in gaming, pornography use, social network use or online shopping at least once in the last year. Based on their engagement levels with these behaviors, participants’ internet use was classified as pathological, risky or non-problematic.
After diagnostic interviews were completed, participants provided daily assessments for 14 days. Each evening they reported their mood and stress levels, temptation to engage in problematic internet usage (PUI), total internet usage time, as well as how much pleasure they derived from being online and whether any other activities were neglected because of it.
Results revealed that more severe PUI is associated with worse mood, more stress, longer periods spent online and greater neglect of other areas of life. Temptation was identified as the main driver for continued internet use while feelings of pleasure and relief reinforced this behavior. The data indicated that theoretical models about problematic internet usage are reflected in everyday experiences.
Andreas Oelker said, "Our study shows that the feeling of temptation is the central mechanism linking emotional states with problematic Internet use in everyday life. 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." He added, "The ambulatory assessment allowed us to examine psychological processes in daily life. 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."
