Summary
A comprehensive study, analysing data from two million individuals across 168 countries, challenges the common belief around the negative psychological impact of internet technologies. Despite the extensive adoption of the internet over the last two decades, researchers found only small and inconsistent changes in global well-being and mental health.
Interestingly, the study observed an increase in life satisfaction among females during this period. The research calls for more data transparency from technology companies for a better understanding of the nuanced impacts of internet use on psychological well-being.
Key Facts
- The global impact of internet use on psychological well-being was found to be minor and inconsistent.
- No specific age or gender group, including women and young girls, showed substantial differences in well-being due to internet usage.
- A small correlation was found between increased mobile broadband adoption and greater life satisfaction, but this association was practically insignificant.
Study Details
The Oxford Internet Institute conducted the study, which dwelled into data from two million individuals, aged 15 to 89, from 168 countries. The research showed small and inconsistent changes in global well-being and mental health over the last two decades, debunking theories of the internet’s widely destructive psychological impact.
Upon analysing results across different age groups and genders, the study didn’t find any specific demographic patterns among internet users.
Key Takeaways
According to the researchers, no ‘smoking gun’ was found linking technology usage to well-being. Even under extreme testing, there were no strong correlations between internet usage and well-being.
For future studies, the team calls for technology companies to provide more data to concretely understand the impacts of internet use.
As a psychiatrist, I observe this report with due fascination. However, I also understand the need for more comprehensive, transparent, and accessible data for an accurate understanding of the potential psychological effects through the usage of internet technologies.
Dr Natalie Smith, MD, Cure of Mind