![\"chat-woman-online\"](\"http:\/\/images3.blisstree.com\/files\/2010\/02\/chat-woman-online.jpg\")
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Morrison is the lead author of a new study examining the link between Internet usage, depression and addiction<\/strong>. It’s the first large-scale study of Western young people to take up the subject. Researchers found that people who spend excessive amounts of time surfing the net are more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms.<\/p>\n Most people using the Internet aren’t addicted, so don’t worry too much! Only 1.2% or 18 people in the study were found to be addicted to the Internet. However, that percentage is enough to raise brows regarding mental health issues relating to overuse of the Internet. When Internet usage regularly takes the place of real, in-person interaction, that’s a cause for concern.<\/p>\n Morrison noted that the research findings reinforce previous public speculation that overusing social networking sites<\/strong> and chat rooms in a manner that replaces normal social function could be associated with disorders like depression and addiction.<\/p>\n In the study, younger people were more likely to be addicted than middle-aged Internet users. The average age of the addicted group was 21. Study participants included 1,319 people aged 16-51. Study findings will be published next week in the journal Psychopathology<\/em>.<\/p>\n Do you think you know an Internet addict?<\/p>\n (Image via stock.xchng<\/a>)<\/p>\n Post from: Blisstree<\/a><\/p>\n