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A study by Oxford researchers refutes the link between Internet use and poor mental health.
According to a new study conducted by researchers from the Oxford Internet Institute, there is no evidence that Internet use has a negative impact on mental health. The paper, titled "Global Well-being and Mental Health in the Internet Age," combined data from millions of people in 168 countries, analyzing research conducted from 2005 to 2022. They looked at the mental well-being of more than two million people, as well as levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm from 2000 to 2019.
The study's lead author, Professor Andrew Przybylski, said that despite careful analysis, "there is no conclusive evidence linking technology to well-being." The researchers found an increase in both negative and positive mental experiences, but concluded that life satisfaction remained relatively stable on average across the country. They also found no significant impact of Internet technologies on life satisfaction.
Przybylski and his colleague Matti Vuorre noted that some data indicate a more negative impact of Internet technologies on young people, but these data are "insignificant and do not allow us to draw unambiguous conclusions." The authors emphasized that differences in the impact of the Internet on mental health across demographics were smaller than trends in mental health in general.
The study also notes that to get a more complete picture, it is necessary to study data collected by online platforms, which are often not available for independent research. Przybylski argues that more detailed data is needed to understand the health impact of the Internet, and calls for greater transparency from all stakeholders.
In conclusion, the study highlights that in the absence of a clear link between Internet use and mental health, it is important to focus on practices that promote health and well-being, such as communication, exercise, and sleep.
According to a new study conducted by researchers from the Oxford Internet Institute, there is no evidence that Internet use has a negative impact on mental health. The paper, titled "Global Well-being and Mental Health in the Internet Age," combined data from millions of people in 168 countries, analyzing research conducted from 2005 to 2022. They looked at the mental well-being of more than two million people, as well as levels of anxiety, depression, and self-harm from 2000 to 2019.
The study's lead author, Professor Andrew Przybylski, said that despite careful analysis, "there is no conclusive evidence linking technology to well-being." The researchers found an increase in both negative and positive mental experiences, but concluded that life satisfaction remained relatively stable on average across the country. They also found no significant impact of Internet technologies on life satisfaction.
Przybylski and his colleague Matti Vuorre noted that some data indicate a more negative impact of Internet technologies on young people, but these data are "insignificant and do not allow us to draw unambiguous conclusions." The authors emphasized that differences in the impact of the Internet on mental health across demographics were smaller than trends in mental health in general.
The study also notes that to get a more complete picture, it is necessary to study data collected by online platforms, which are often not available for independent research. Przybylski argues that more detailed data is needed to understand the health impact of the Internet, and calls for greater transparency from all stakeholders.
In conclusion, the study highlights that in the absence of a clear link between Internet use and mental health, it is important to focus on practices that promote health and well-being, such as communication, exercise, and sleep.
