Internet 'addiction' linked to depression

New York Daily News ^ | February 3, 2010 | Rosemary Black

[ConservativeStatement]

The longer you spend surfing the Web, the more unhappy you’re likely to be, says a new study from Great Britain that shows that Internet “addicts” are more likely to be depressed.

Researchers analyzed Internet use and depression levels in more than 1,000 British residents between the ages of 16 and 51. Some 1.2% were labeled “Internet addicted” by researchers at Leeds University.

[ConservativeStatement]

O'bummer!

[TruthHound]

Yup.

[BunnySlippers]

... and if you happy but addicted, what is it?

[Marty62]

BS, sooooooooo people being informed leads to depression. I don’t think so.

[DainBramage]

I think Im gonna slit my wrists.

[KarlInOhio]

more than 1,000 British residents between the ages of 16 and 51. Some 1.2% were labeled “Internet addicted” by researchers at Leeds University.

1.2% of 1000 is 12. If ten percent of the population is depressed (number pulled out of my backside), then you would expect 1.2 of the 1000 people to be both depressed and internet addicted if they are independent of each other. So these scientists may have come to their conclusion because 2 or 3 people were internet addicted and depressed instead of the expected 1.2.

[KarlInOhio]

I think Im gonna slit my wrists.

Be sure to Google the right way to do it and check out some Youtube videos about it. Also send a tweat with your good hand when you are half way through it.

[b4its2late]

Can I have your screen name then?

[KarlInOhio]

tweat->tweet. I feel like a twit for misspelling tweet.

[freespirited]

Researchers analyzed Internet use and depression levels in more than 1,000 British residents between the ages of 16 and 51. Some 1.2% were labeled “Internet addicted” by researchers at Leeds University.

I dont know what "more than 1000" means, but let's say the study had 1200 people. The 1.2% labeled internet-addicted would amount to 14 people.

Kinda a small sample. Just maybe junk science.

[Cementjungle]

These addicts tended to spend more time browsing sexually gratifying Web sites

Those sites will just get them more frustrated, and thus are hardly "gratifying".

For gratification, go to FreeRepublic where you can learn that not all the world is insane!

[TNLawyer]

I guess I’m in trouble.

Actually, I just prefer to spend my “alone” time online rather than watching tv (except for “Lost” or football games).

[DainBramage]

You have to promise to post only stupid drivel and misspell everry other words. Its tradition.

[F15Eagle]

Translation:

Just listen only to what you get from official sources like the MSM, print and TV. And the agendas of yer publik skools, comrade.

---

That’s why China and Iran have to censor the internet. Lest thoughts of freedom and democracy enter the minds of their suppressed populations.

Not to mention we can also get great clips of Weird Al!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1hKQULa9Y

[Cacique]

They are getting us ready for withdrawal when Obama and his minions pull the plug on the internet. They cannot allow an informed population, it’s dangerous to the survival of the oligarchy.

[Jake from AZ]

I don't get it... are they saying that being addicted to the Internet can cause depression, or that being depressed can cause Internet addiction?

Frankly, the latter sounds much more like me.

[CaliforniaCon]

Re: “tweat->tweet. I feel like a twit for misspelling tweet.”

******************

Now don’t go getting depressed about it! ;)

[UCANSEE2]

“Everything in moderation.”

Now, if I could just take my own advice, I wouldn’t be nearly so unhappy.

[dangerdoc]

Sometimes, you just have to turn the computer off and get some fresh air.

[CaliforniaCon]

RE: “I guess I’m in trouble.

Actually, I just prefer to spend my “alone” time online rather than watching tv (except for “Lost” or football games).”

********************

My friends from school days are all on Facebook now and we are posting away — no one seems depressed; in fact our social lives have greatly improved.

Are we addicted to the internet, sure! But I love it; am so glad to have access to so much info so quickly. I could web search all day long, and sometimes do!

If not for this horrifying administration and the country going to h*ll, I’d be dancing on air!

[mcshot]

DB that will clog up your keyboard then what you gonna do.

[freekitty]

Apparently, everything is linked to depression or whatever for at least a day until they come out with the opposite.

[UCANSEE2]

Maybe it’s just living in Great Britain, surrounded by Muzzies, that makes one so depressed.

[ConservativeStatement]

Seems like the article is mentioning both as possibilities. If the statement of the psychologist quoted is interpreted, she is stating depression came first but the Net is just a temporary solution to some people and could make the situation worse. Her opinion.

Certain hard-core Internet users might have already been depressed before they started spending hours online, says Jean Cirillo, a Long Island psychologist.

“Some people go online because they’re depressed and they want immediate relief,” she says. “It takes a lot of energy to go out and meet people, and there is always the fear of rejection.

“When you go online, you have the illusion of having interacted with someone. The person gets a high and feels better temporarily but then there’s a big letdown.”

[UCANSEE2]

Even climate ‘change’ has been touted as causing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

[TigersEye]

Did they ever think that depressed people are attracted to the internet? Noooooooooooooo, of course not.

[UCANSEE2]

“Some 1.2% were labeled “Internet addicted” by researchers at Leeds University.”

So, can we assume the ‘researchers’ at Leeds University conducted this poll via the Internet?

I heard there was a course in helping one deal with Internet addiction. It is, of course, only available ONLINE.

[TigersEye]

“When you go online, you have the illusion of having interacted with someone. ..."

Who does the doc think we are interacting with? Bot programs? Dogs? lol She needs to get into therapy.

[Traveler59]

Everything in excess! Moderation is for Monks.
-Notebook of Lazarus Long

- Traveler

[DainBramage]

Im listening to Metallica albums and feel much better now. Im thinking of killing my parents.

[Patton@Bastogne]

.


Personally ... I think that depression (covert or overt) leads to increased internet usage ...


While married ... way back in 1996 ... when I discovered Free Republic ... I spent the next four years as a VERY active poster ...


Then I got divorced ... spent WAY too much time, money, emotions DATING ...


Recently ... the "woman of my dreams" ... dumped me after two years ... and two marriage proposals ... as of 1 Jan 2010 ...


Hence, my recent return to Free Republic ...


Don't get me wrong ... the topics are great, and information exchanged is superb ... BUT as one poster to this thread observed tonight ...

Human relationships (especially female) are FAR SUPERIOR to typing "political op-eds" way into the "very lonely" post-midnight hours ...


Patton-at-Bastogne



SPOUSE QUALIFICATIONS (Exact and Mandatory) :


1) Be at least thirty-five (35) years of age, provide “positive” proof of U.S. Citizenship (birth certificate), as well as full College Transcripts, life time Medical Records, and complete Financial Statements covering the previous ten (10) years … (Political humor, courtesy of Barak Obama)


2) Demonstrate Gardening knowledge and experience, especially with “Earth Boxes”


3) Have EXCELLENT Culinary skills … with successful experience at wonderful “organic” recipies.


4) Demonstrate Medical knowledge and experience for emergency care situations (RN degree required).


5) Must be very Health Conscious, with proper attention to diet and regular exercise


6) Wants to travel to Italy someday …


7) Clear evidence of a Christian lifestyle including Faith, Charity, Forgiveness and Love …


8) Have this specific “Christian” name at birth: (her name inserted here)


9) Demonstrate proof of current residence in Palm Harbor, Florida … ZIP code 34684.


10) “Expert Knowledge” of “Husband’s” personal strengths and weaknesses (especially) …


11) Have incredibly beautiful eyes and a wonderful smile.


12) Have a “Delightfully Magic Aura” that would cause the “right man” to fall in love with you … at first sight !


13) Have the most delightful and romantic kiss in the world …


14) Understand the “prompting statement” to the Secret Code Phrase “We’ve Established That”





.

[Patton@Bastogne]

.



What the hell ... Here's the (basic) text of Marriage Proposal version 3.8


B) Marriage Proposal (Version 3.8) from “Husband”, to include, inter alia


C) An iron-clad Pre-Nuptial Agreement to protect ALL of ###########’s financial assets


D) Complete full access to a treasure-filled Library featuring books on:

1) Biblical Studies
2) Mechanical Engineering
3) Astronomy and Space Exploration
4) World History
5) Shakespeare’s Complete Works … and Henry V DVD …


E) A Promise before The Lord to:

I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live, and always appreciate the incredible gift from The Lord that you represent in my life.


F) A fully-equipped Canoe with Paddles and Life Jackets for ocean Tidal Wave emergencies


G) Full “Husband” availability for Weekend Gardening Projects … 51 weeks a year !


H) Offer a full year’s Hospice Sabbatical … for your rest, relaxation, travel to Oregon, art studies … “should you ever desire”.


I) Promise to “consider” purchasing an “American Standard Poodle” as a future pet ... (well, maybe)


J) A commitment to share in our Financial Goals to live wisely and prudently, inter alia

1) Avoid DEBT at all costs
2) Tithe ten-percent on our income
3) Follow the “Dave Ramsey” Financial Peace University guidelines
4) Live Frugally


K) Listening to ######### “more” … while striving to talk “less” …


L) Exercise at least two (2) times EVERY WEEK at the Gym


M) Travel to Italy for a two (2) week visit, once we’ve (properly) saved and budgeted the funds


N) Place ##########'s needs above “all” Earthly Relationships, including

1) Dad
2) Daughter Angela
3) Daughter Rebecca
4) Son Zeke
5) Son Jonathan
6) Career ambitions
7) Church “ministry” opportunities


O) Promise to “NEVER” run for an elected political office


P) To be the “Spiritual Leader” of our household


Q) To play ########’s 2009 Christmas CD Gift to Doug … “Something Special About Us” … every year


R) “Husband” to SMILE more often … and take himself MUCH less seriously …


S) To always seek #######’s counsel in making decisions that affect both of us …


T) “Husband” will ALWAYS keep “HIS” bathroom clean


U) To PRAY TOGETHER at least once every day – NOT including grace before meals …


V) Always seek to learn “Life’s Lesson’s” … NEVER becoming too Proud to think that “@@@@@@@@@ It All” …


W) Bring ######### “Herbal Tea” or “Decaf Coffee” to her in bed every Saturday morning, if she wishes …


X) If we ever get married at Honeymoon Island Beach --- @@@@@@@ promises NO “sappy” love songs !


Y) Willingness to consider adopting a Foster Daughter … should The Lord lead and provide in that direction ...


Z) To protect ########## at “all times” … even if it means sacrificing my personal goals … or even my physical life to protect hers.




.

[TNLawyer]

Yep...

I’m in my early 30’s, and I think most people under 40 are spending more of their free time on the internet as to where 20 years ago they might have watched television.

I think it’s ok as long as you don’t neglect other aspects of your life (I’m married with children, so my internet time is limited to at most 1 hour a day when all is said and done).

My original post was said partly in jest... I don’t really think I’m in trouble. I just love the internet.

[UCANSEE2]

Lazarus Long turned out to be a real mother-f****r.

[right way right]

You should listen to Judas Priest, that way you will kill yourself instead of your parents.

[UCANSEE2]

Everything in excess!

Sounds good to me. Let's stare at the Sun for an hour.

You go first.

: )