In our contemporary world, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, serving multiple purposes ranging from work and study to shopping and entertainment. Many believe that turning to digital screens is an effective way to relieve stress after a long day’s work, but a recent study from Aalto University in Finland offers us a more accurate and complex perspective.
The study reveals that certain patterns of digital use may be associated with increased stress levels, especially in people who already experience high levels of psychological pressure.
Cause of stress:
In this study, researchers followed an approach based on monitoring actual internet use rather than relying on self-reported questionnaires. The study included a sample of approximately 1,500 adults in Germany, where their digital activity was tracked on smartphones and computers for seven consecutive months.
A specialized program recorded approximately 47 million website visits and more than 14 million sessions using various applications, in conjunction with monthly measurements of participants’ stress levels.
The results showed that “online shopping” is significantly associated with an increased feeling of stress, due to the repeated decisions that must be made, potential financial anxiety, and constant comparisons that may occur, especially when using a mobile phone.
In addition, researchers found that excessive use of social media platforms and entertainment services is also associated with higher stress levels, as these platforms encourage distraction, social comparison, and constant attention.
On the other hand, the researchers noted that “reading news, using email, and productivity tools” are associated with lower stress levels, perhaps because these activities promote a sense of control and organization in daily life.
The impact of the Internet:
The study indicated that the impact of the internet varies from individual to individual, depending on several factors such as age, income, and the individual’s basic stress level.
The researchers emphasize that “imposing general restrictions on internet use may not be the solution, but rather understanding the individual context and patterns of use is the key to improving mental health in the digital age.”
