Study: Emotional Discomfort Drives Excessive Internet Use

A study published in PLOS One found that emotional discomfort, such as stress and bad mood, increases the temptation to use the internet excessively. This excessive use, in turn, can exacerbate these negative emotions and lead to neglect of other responsibilities. The study, conducted with 900 German adults, classified internet use as non-problematic, risky, or pathological based on its impact on daily life. The researchers highlighted the role of temptation as the main driver for staying connected, above stress or bad mood. They suggested that helping individuals recognize and manage these moments of temptation could be key to prevention and treatment strategies.