Research Links Depression With Internet Addiction

[Terramax]

You sure they all aren't depressed because they live in Britain and see images of other places when they are online?

KIDDING!

No, it's true... those beautiful french beaches...

Anyways, EVERYONE uses facebook, and quite often, so presumably we're all depressed?

 

[Krakyn]

I recently found out that I have Bipolar II Disorder, and that I was using the internet as one of the ways for me to cope with my depression. I know that in my case, the depression came first.

 

[Julianking93]

I think depression just makes people turn to the internet.

 

[Julianking93]

I think depression just makes people turn to the internet.

Agreed
I know I did. Guys don't like me? Internet. Girls don't like me? Internet. All real people don't like me?...Single player.

Same here.

I have no friends so I turned to the internet. Now I have friends! well...cyber friends but that still counts right?

 

[Awexsome]

Although it is very depressing to try to watch videos of government/politics videos on youtube and just catch a glimpse of the inevitable flaming inferno that is the comment section. I've tried to make a constructive comment on one or two but just get flames and trolls back.

Then I go back to watching a Robotnik YTP and typing "lolololol" in the comments and everyone's happy.

 

[ultimateownage]

Anyone else feel really depressed right now?

 

[Evilbunny]

That's interesting, but I go on the internet a lot and there is no way I am even close to being depressed.

 

[Ace of Spades]

That's informative. Also, don't forget, stop global warming, BECOME A PIRATE!

 

[Amnestic]

Heh. My Biological Psychology lecturer beat you to this news by a day.

But yeah, it's not really clear if the depression is a cause of the internet addiction or if the internet addiction is a cause of the depression. I'm leaning towards the former personally.

Well, it is Leeds uni that did the research...dont give them much faith

Joint 18th in the country for Psychology according to the league tables [http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/tol_gug/gooduniversityguide.php?subject=PSYCHOLOY]. To say that there's 102 Uni's which teach it, it's hardly a bad score.

 

[Dogstile]

You sure they all aren't depressed because they live in Britain and see images of other places when they are online?

KIDDING!

Don't, its sadly true

 

[FinalGamer]

Well no shit when everyone else acts a complete moron outside and some of us just don't like sports.

 

[snave]

I'll argue the opposite to popular opinion. Whilst I'm sure theres many cases where true actively suffering depressives turn to the internet as a remedy, based on annecdotal evidence, I'd postulate the link goes further.

Using a computer is staring into a lightbulb effectively. Hell, in some countries, that's deemed torture or "advanced interrogation technique". Yet we all subject ourselves to it. Anyone noticed how easy it is to stay awake beyond your usual capabilities when using a computer? In turn, theres a strong link between sleep deprivation or unusual sleep patterns and depression, or at least exasserbating pre-existing mild depression into something deeper.

Of course, I'm just referring to a PC here, and ignoring the internet. But, the internet plays its part by simply providing new content around the clock, and with no close time like TV or other digital media.