Study links excessive online time to increased stress and negative mood

Research on Internet Usage Impact

Academics at the University of Duisburg-Essen published a study in PLOS One linking excessive time spent online to increased stress levels, negative mood, and greater neglect of other activities. The research surveyed 900 German adults in 2025 who reported engaging in online activities such as gaming, pornography, social networks, or online shopping.

Defining Problematic Usage

The study categorized internet usage as pathological, risky, or non-problematic based on frequency. Problematic internet usage, encompassing pathological and risky use, was defined as the excessive use of online applications leading to functional impairment or distress. Participants completed daily assessments over two weeks, reporting mood, stress, temptation, and internet usage time.

Key Findings and Drivers

Participants with more severe problematic internet usage experienced worse mood, more stress, longer online times, and greater neglect of other life areas. The study identified temptation as the primary driver for continued internet use, with feelings of pleasure and relief acting as reinforcing factors. This suggests that the urge to go online, rather than just stress or mood, determines engagement.

Implications for Prevention

Andreas Oelker, a co-author, stated that understanding why individuals at risk go online at specific moments is crucial for developing better prevention and treatment strategies. The findings suggest that helping individuals recognize and manage moments of temptation may be more effective than solely focusing on stress or mood. Researchers emphasized that negative outcomes are associated with problematic or excessive usage, not all types of internet use.