Why the internet and electronic devices bring more well-being to people

PHOTO: Barry Diomede/Alamy

It seems like an opposite version of what people have believed until today! So, the fact that staying long on the phone, iPad or other electronic devices causes mental and physical problems in people. But according to this latest global study, the use of the Internet should not be avoided, as it is associated with more well-being of people.

The potential impact on well-being brought about by the Internet and social media in particular has often become a matter of debate. "Our analysis tests whether or not access to the internet, mobile phones and regular use of electronic devices is associated with well-being globally," said Andrew Przybylski, a professor at the University of Oxford.

This study was published in the journal "Technology, Mind and Behaviour" and analyzed data collected through interviews with a thousand people every year from 168 countries as part of the Gallup World Poll.

Participants were asked about Internet access and use, as well as eight different measures of well-being, such as life satisfaction, social engagement, long-term goals, and a sense of social well-being. The team analyzed data from 2006 to 2021, including about 2.4 million participants aged 15 and older.

The researchers used more than 33,000 statistical models, allowing them to explore various relationships that are influenced by factors such as income, education, health problems and marital relationships.

The results show that Internet access and use overall showed higher measures of well-being, with 84.9% of the associations between Internet connection and well-being positive, 0.4% negative, and 14.7% not statistically significant.

The study was unable to prove cause and effect, but the team found that measures of life satisfaction were 8.5% higher for those who had access to the Internet. The study did not examine the length of stay on the Internet, or what profile was used the most, but according to Professor Przybylski, the important thing is that it was proven that the use of technology affects people's general well-being.

Suggested articles: 

Source: The Guardian