An investigation conducted by academics from the University of Duisburg-Essen, located in Germany, established a correlation between excessive internet use and various negative indicators, such as increased stress, unfavorable mood changes, and decreased engagement in other areas of life.
Research Methodology
The survey involved 900 German adults in 2025. These participants used online platforms for various activities, including gaming, pornography, social media, or virtual shopping. Over two weeks, individuals monitored their emotional states daily, the time dedicated to connection, and the impulses related to network use.
The study, published in the scientific journal PLOS One, aimed to understand how emotional factors and the sudden urge to access the internet influence behaviors considered problematic. The researchers emphasize that the risk lies in the use that generates suffering or harm, and not simply in being connected to the network.
Classification and Main Results
Participants were categorized based on the frequency and impact of their digital habits, divided into non-problem users, at-risk users, and users with pathological use, the latter characterized by interference in routine or generation of discomfort.
The findings showed that those with the highest index of problematic use reported spending more time connected, feeling greater stress, having a worse perception of their mood, and demonstrating a greater propensity to neglect other important tasks.
The Role of Connection Impulse
According to the researchers, the immediate desire to access the internet was a crucial element in maintaining these behavioral patterns. Furthermore, the feeling of pleasure or relief experienced after connecting acted as a reinforcement for repeating this habit.
Andreas Oelker, a co-author of the study, commented on the results, stating that 'more than actual stress or mood in isolation, it is the momentary impulse to be online that determines whether people engage in internet activities and experience both positive and harmful consequences.' He added that identifying moments of temptation can help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies, suggesting that interventions focused on controlling these impulses are more beneficial than those centered only on stress or emotional state.
Perspectives on Healthy Use
Silke M. Müller, a co-author, highlighted that only a small fraction of users develops pathological patterns. She argued that the internet can be a source of satisfaction, fun, and stress relief, as long as its use does not continuously replace other vital dimensions of routine.
Müller stated: 'Using the internet brings joy, fun, and/or stress relief in an enriching way, provided that other important areas of life are not systematically neglected.' The researchers also mentioned that responsibilities, physical exercise, social interaction, and time outdoors are practices linked to well-being and health, which are affected by excessive connection.