Study Shows Link Between , Using the Internet as an Escape , and Increased Depressive Symptoms.<br />A new study suggests that <br />long-term internet escapism can lead <br />to emotional issues such as depression. .<br />PsyPost reports that the research showed a link between <br />people who use the internet as an escape and higher <br />levels of problematic internet use and depression. .<br />The study, published in the journal 'Computers in Human <br />Behavior,' specifically explored how using the internet <br />as a distraction and depressive symptomology interact. .<br />The study, published in the journal 'Computers in Human <br />Behavior,' specifically explored how using the internet <br />as a distraction and depressive symptomology interact. .<br />Problematic internet usage is defined as <br />when a person loses control over their internet <br />usage to the point that it interferes with their life. .<br />It includes playing video games <br />and using social media, <br />in addition to general internet use. .<br />It includes playing video games <br />and using social media, <br />in addition to general internet use. .<br />Chronically using the internet to disconnect <br />from worries may work as an emotional <br />buffer to mitigate negative emotionality <br />in the short run, but at the cost of <br />consolidating a problematic use <br />of technology, and depressive <br />symptoms if it becomes a habit, Cristóbal Hernández, study author, via PsyPost.<br />PsyPost points out that the study was conducted during <br />the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a time <br />when both stress levels and internet usage were way up. .<br />PsyPost points out that the study was conducted during <br />the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, a time <br />when both stress levels and internet usage were way up. .<br />According to the authors of the study, the findings <br />highlight the importance of taking into account a person's <br />intention and state of mind when using the internet. .<br />According to the authors of the study, the findings <br />highlight the importance of taking into account a person's <br />intention and state of mind when using the internet. .<br />Experts suggest that future studies<br />be conducted to see if the results can be <br />replicated outside of the context of COVID-19.
