Understanding the Connection Between the Internet and Mental Health

Can the internet cause mental illness, and which ones? It depends largely on how the internet is being used. The internet has revolutionized modern work and study, with virtual meetings, online classes, and digital job opportunities. This virtual world has connected millions of people, allowing them to work and study remotely. However, dependency on the internet for professional purposes can be beneficial. Even in a world without internet, the current business landscape would be severely disabled. But, excessive internet usage could lead to specific mental health issues that are entirely personal, stemming from how the online platform is utilized.

The Negative Aspects of Excessive Internet Usage

One of the most common negative aspects of spending too much time on the internet is the feeling of guilt. Many people spend 12 to 13 hours a day on websites, YouTube, or social media, often ending up with no meaningful progress by the end of the day. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low productivity.

Mood swings are also a frequent issue. As people scroll through various news and feedback on the internet, they can experience a range of emotions, from joy to frustration. This constant exposure to diverse information can lead to mood instability and emotional exhaustion.

Anxiety and depression can be exacerbated by the curated highlight reels of friends and family. Simply seeing beautifully crafted posts might lead to feelings of envy and inadequacy, leading to a comparison mindset that negatively impacts one's mental health.

Internet Addiction: A Growing Crisis

Internet addiction (IA) is becoming increasingly common and is linked to a wide range of mental health issues, including low self-esteem, impulsivity, poor sleep quality, mood disorders, and in severe cases, suicide. IA can lead to significant neuroanatomical and neurochemical changes in the brain, such as cortical thinning in various brain components and altered dopaminergic reward circuitry.

In many studies, IA has been associated with structural and functional brain changes in regions involved in attention, decision-making, emotional processing, and cognitive control. The release of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is similar in magnitude to drug abuse in internet gaming. This indicates a subsensitivity of the dopamine reward mechanisms, contributing to the addictive nature of internet use.

Neurological Changes and Internet Gaming

Internet gaming is particularly noteworthy in terms of its impact on brain function. The dopamine release associated with online gaming is comparable to that of drugs of abuse, leading to lower levels of the dopamine transporter and dopamine D2 receptor occupancy. This indicates a reduced sensitivity in the dopamine reward system, which can contribute to the reinforcing nature of gaming.

These neurological changes can have profound effects on behavior and mental health, making it crucial to understand the risks associated with excessive internet use.

It is important to note that while the internet can have negative effects on mental health, it is not solely responsible for mental illness. Personal factors and individual perceptions of information also play a significant role in how the internet affects one's mental well-being.