The duration and frequency of Internet use in a nonclinical sample: Suicidality, behavioral problems, and treatment histories.

Abstract

Prior research noted paradoxical effects of Internet usage, with increased communication but decreased social engagement. A 3-year follow-up revealed that the negative effects had dissipated. The authors examined the relations between duration (months online) and frequency (hours per week) of Internet usage and 5 mental health domains (current and prior mental health treatment, suicidal intent, and past and present behavioral difficulties). Statistically significant differences in frequency and duration were associated with the main effects of mutually exclusive mental health domains. Hierarchical logistic regressions revealed that duration mediated the adverse effects of frequency in some domains. Age of participants significantly increased the goodness of fit in predicting adverse outcomes of frequency and duration of Internet usage.