Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
ObjectivesMost of the evidence on the effects of internet use on mental health derives from cross-sectional research. We set out to explore prospective associations between internet use (hours online and specific internet experiences) and future mental health problems.MethodsParticipants were 1,431 respondents from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK birth cohort, who completed a questionnaire on internet use (time online and ten different internet experiences) when they were aged 18 years. Outcomes included past year self-harm, assessed at 21 years and high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, assessed at 22 years. Associations were investigated using logistic regression models and analyses were conducted separately for males and females.ResultsFemales reporting high levels of internet use (number of hours online) were found to be at increased risk of depression at follow-up (highest tertile vs lowest tertile OR = 1.41, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.20), whereas males with high levels of internet use were at increased risk for self-harm (highest tertile vs lowest tertile OR = 2.53, 95%CI 0.93 to 6.90). There was no evidence to suggest an association between hours spent online and anxiety. With regards to the specific internet experiences, associations were found for females but not for males. In fully adjusted models, being bullied online (OR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.86) and meeting someone face to face (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.41) were associated with an increased risk of future depression. Being bullied online was also associated with an increased risk of future self-harm (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.41 to 4.15), along with receiving unwanted sexual comments or material, and coming across pornography and violent/gruesome material.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the importance of digital citizenship training to help teach young people to use technology safely and responsibly.
Highlights
The internet provides opportunities for communication, education, and entertainment and has become an integral part of modern life
Females reporting high levels of internet use were found to be at increased risk of depression at follow-up, whereas males with high levels of internet use were at increased risk for selfharm
Being bullied online was associated with an increased risk of future self-harm (OR = 2.42, 95% CI 1.41 to 4.15), along with receiving unwanted sexual comments or material, and coming across pornography and violent/gruesome material
Summary
The internet provides opportunities for communication, education, and entertainment and has become an integral part of modern life. The use of the internet has grown exponentially worldwide, among younger age groups,[1] and this rise has led to concerns over potential negative effects. The rise in popularity of social media has been posited as a potential explanation for recent increases in mental health problems among adolescents. Internet addition is more prevalent in males[18] and there are gender differences in patterns of use, with males spending more time on online games and females on social networking.[19] Research exploring gender differences in association with mental health outcomes is limited but some studies have suggested that findings may be stronger for females.[20, 21]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
