General Chat

Chicken or Egg? Just reading an article on the front page of my local paper , this is from the Guardian,

Leeds University researchers, writing in the Psychopathology journal (abstract here – subscription required for full pdf), said a small proportion of internet users were classed as internet addicts and that people in this group were more likely to be depressed than non-addicted users.

The article on the relationship between excessive internet use and depression, a questionnaire-based study of 1,319 young people and adults, used data compiled from respondents to links placed on UK-based social networking sites.

The respondents answered questions about how much time they spent on the internet and what they used it for; they

also completed the Beck Depression Inventory – a series of questions designed to measure the severity of depression.

The report, by the university's Institute of Psychological Sciences, said 18 of the people who completed the questionnaire – 1.4% of the total – were internet addicts.

"Our research indicates that excessive internet use is associated with depression, but what we don't know is which comes first – are depressed people drawn to the internet or does the internet cause depression?" the article's lead author, Dr Catriona Morrison, said. "

What do you reckon, has the internet altered your level of interaction with others , does it draw you away from real life...or is it just a 'bonus' which has opened new horizons to you?

xx

dont know bout that i have got depression and didnt have access to internet for years

Clearly the latter for me rose, it's a bonus opening up so many more opportunities, and thanks to the internet I have met many wonderful people and made firm friends for life I would otherwise never have met.

now I'm depressed having to use computers and or internet the whole day

i dont go out much but like you teresa have met many friends on here

When I say 'met', I mean, actually met, for real, and have made some lasting friendships as a result. But 'met' them first on t'internet.

Same here. as well, definitely a bonus.... I have also got to say I could see how it could become a lifeline for people who are not able to get out and about much.... and many of those have depression because of long term pain, illness etc.... so the illness brings about depression.... but then the community spirit, the feeling of being a part of something, could very well alleviate that depression

Interesting!

Love

Daff xxx

We were talking about this last night - I think it's more likely that people who are prone to depression or who struggle with the real world are likely to find a new and more appealing life on the net. That's the impression I get from thinking about the people I know who use the net to an unhealthy degree. Anyone can be anything online.

I spend a lot of time online myself but it's balanced (I think) with a very healthy social life. I use the net primarily for research and socialising online with people I know. But through this and another couple of sites I have also met people with who have become friends in the real world.

For me, the net is a wonderful tool for broadening a variety of horizons

In my local paper, there is further comment "it is not the length of time spent online rather the nature of your relationship with the internet..... If it's interfering with daily activities,if you think about the internet when you're doing something else, if you can't stop doing it...compulsive behaviour, that's problematic' "

"'addicts ' also had a depression score 5 times that of non addicts. "

That first paragraph lets you off the hook Terry lol

there's a little cartoon next to the editorial.... man at computer, wife says "Of course you're depressed, it's all that unrequited Abi Titmuss"....

But is it replacing the sense of community in society itself?

These days, people move around a lot more, buying and selling their houses, moving with jobs. We also dont' walk to the shops any more, first because we have little metal boxes on wheels, shutting ourselves away from people, and secondly, the local shops just aren't there.

So many people may be depressed in the first place due to isolation, having strangers in their street instead of people they've known for years, and the internet then represents a new 'society' where you can get to know people, and, as Uggers said, be what you want if you're that way inclined.

Its opened my eyes lets put it that way,,so thats been a bonus to some degree,,,,,,,:}}}}}

give me real life everytime,,,,

I started using the net originally when I was on my own in the evenings and night times when OH worked nights......tbh it was a godsend to be able to *speak* to people *out of hours* (I don't phone people in the real world after 9pm unless it's urgent) and it probably saved me from going on a huge downer as the girls were so much younger and harder work then !!! and I did get a bit fed up and lonely at times.

I enjoy my friends online and have had an absolute riot with those I've met and bonded with at meets too....from my point of view it's enhanced my life......I have a busy and full life away from the computer nowadays which I think helps put things into perspective whereas when I relied on it for company I maybe got a bit compulsive for a while and took it waaaaaay to seriously....but even saying that it didn't affect my real life mood adversely...

Balance is all I think but it does depend what else is going on in your life at any given time xx

" Does it draw you away from real life "..........I would have to confess that my family tend to say " It's no good talking to her , she's on the Internet "......but in my defence , I hasten to add that I normally don't go on here until the evening ( oh is glued to the TV at this point ) .
I'm not in the least bit depressed , never have been thankfully .

I enjoy being on here , it's the way I relax and chill out........and yes it has broadened my horizons , given me a new way to " people watch " and afforded me a huge amount of pleasure and amusement : ))