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Since the early years of Internet usage the debate has raged over whether it actually helps or hinders the development of social relationships and how those relationships and interactions may trigger depression.
Even in face-to-face interactions miscommunications and misunderstandings can happen, heightening stress and potentially triggering depression. The Internet is no different and has the added challenge in that without the face-to-face contact, one cannot hear the inflection of a person’s voice or read the facial expressions, which can in turn lead to misassumptions.
Internet Usage and Social Isolation
In “Breaking the Cycle of Social Interaction and Mental Illness,” we learned that there are two types of social isolation. Objective isolation is where a person is not involved in activities. Subjective isolation is the feeling or perception of lack of social support. In the right circumstances, Internet interaction has been found to alleviate stress and isolation through the development over time of meaningful relationships that are sometimes as deep as face-to-face relationships.
LaRose et al., in trying to explain the Internet Paradox (for an explanation click on the link below) discovered that the subjects studied were novice Internet users. Novice users who tended to be uncertain and unconfident in their abilities to use the computers and the Internet. Those users who had been on the Internet for two years or more, however, had learned the social niceties of communicating online and had formed some long-lasting friendships and associations. When those associations are formed, computer users have the feeling of belonging to a social network of like-minded individuals, of establishing meaningful friendships. Where social interaction on a personal level for many people can be a challenge, the Internet can open a gateway of opportunities to dispel loneliness and at least make people feel as though they have an outlet for expressing their feelings and getting feedback or support, or for just having fun.
This is particularly important for seniors. The Phoenix Center for Advanced Legal & Economic Public Policy Studies stated in an October 2009 article that “[s]pending time online reduces depression by 20 percent for senior citizens…reducing the incidence of depression by widespread Internet use among older American could trim the national health care bill. ‘Maintaining relationships with friends and family at a time when mobility becomes increasingly limited is challenging for the elderly,’…[D]epression affects millions of Americans age 55 or older and costs the United States about $100 million annually in direct medical costs, suicide and mortality, and workplace costs.”
Conclusions?
For those users who are just learning the Internet ropes, the entire experience of being online can be overwhelming and stressful. There are so many nuances to communicating with people you can’t see, and that can be particularly challenging if there are language barriers or “ability to type” barriers.
However, the Internet provides a particular opportunity for those who are shut in or who feel as though they don’t belong or have a “social” life. As users become more familiar with online chat groups and forums where they can connect and establish friendships with other mothers, fathers, car owners, family members, etc., the Internet becomes a less scary place and can play an important role in alleviating stress and isolation caused by lack of face-to-face communications.
Sources: “Internet Use Cuts Depression Among Senior Citizens” (Oct 2009), Accessed via PRNewswire (www.prnewswire.com); LaRose, R., Eastin, M. S., Gregg, J. (2001). Reformulating the Internet paradox: Social cognitive explanations of Internet use and depression. Journal of Online Behavior, 1 (2). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.behavior.net/JOB/v1n1/paradox.html; Leung, L. (2007). Stressful Life Events, Motives for Internet Use and Social Support Among Digital Kids. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10 (2). Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/cuccr/en/pdf/Digital Kids.pdf
Add a Comment6 Comments
So true Darlene. I am sadly addicted to a mobile game called Angry Bird right now. My excuse as I make time to clear new levels...it is a stress reliever that allows me to tune out. I should be calling and connecting with friends, not playing that damn game. I am trying to get brave enough to keep a log online every time I play it. ...Maybe public embarrassment will cure me. ;-)
January 14, 2011 - 9:41amThis Comment
My ex is addicted to that one. I also have one particular game that I like to de-stress with. But there is a difference between de-stressing and using it to avoid human contact or procrastinating. Either of those can be dangerous.
Would be good to examine if there are any underlying issues that keeps you from wanting to socialize with people and retreat/hide in the game? Could it be time to find a new circle of friends?
January 14, 2011 - 10:17amThis Comment
Hello Darlene, I created an account so I would not be anonymous anymore. I think the issue is based in quantity over quality. Just as you say, the world is at our fingertips As long as it is, I don't believe people value relationships. People are a commodity. Why work to create and keep a relationship when there are so many people at our fingertips? I don't agree with this concept but I know it is all around me. It is hard enough to find and connect with someone who you can be yourself without auditing your thoughts and feelings...I find tremendous value in that yet all I see and feel is people using tech as an excuse not to develop and practice thoughtful social skills.
January 13, 2011 - 9:34amThis Comment
I agree with you. I think that point is proven by businesses that have now instituted email free days...to get people out of the cubicles and away from their email. If they want to ask for something or communicate with someone in the office, they have to actually go to that person.
It's all a matter of balance and perspective. The internet should not be a replacement for personal interaction. But for many it has become that. For those with medical or psychological issues that keep them from communicating with people face-to-face it's one thing...but for the rest of us we have no excuse.
January 13, 2011 - 10:04amThis Comment
Thanks for sharing. I am concerned isolation is growing social epidemic and do believe internet use is connected to the issue along texting and mobile gaming. I blog about my own issues of isolation at socialbling.org
January 12, 2011 - 3:40pmThis Comment
It's quite the conundrum isn't it. The Internet can help those who are isolated stay connected, but can keep people who would normally socialize face-to-face from doing just that...keeping them isolated.
I wonder though what we used to do without it. It seems so commonplace now to be connected with the other side of the world and what's going on there and meeting people I would never have known existed. The world seems so much bigger and at your fingertips.
January 12, 2011 - 6:37pmThis Comment