"When it comes to mental health, the Internet gets a bad rap. There are countless studies that suggest regular access to the Internet is linked to stress, anxiety and addiction. But before you stop tweeting and toss out your iPhone, it turns out that spending time on the Web could actually be making you happier.
"A May 12 report by British researchers from the U.K.'s Chartered Institute of IT (known as BCS) have found a link between Internet access and well-being. But some benefit more than others from tapping into the information superhighway, including those with lower incomes or fewer qualifications, people living in the developing world and, perhaps most surprisingly, women."
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1989244,00.html
I knew if I waited long enough, someone would justify my internet addiction: "Our analysis suggests that IT has an enabling and empowering role in people's lives, by increasing their sense of freedom and control, which has a positive impact on well-being or happiness," said Michael Willmott, the social scientist who authored the study.
So if I want to get really happy, I should spend even more time online.
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Interesting aside: when you copy and paste from Time Magazine, it adds the line "You can read more at: http://whatever-the-article-URL-is" to the selected text.
I'm having mixed thoughts about this. I used to think the internet was the key to finding happiness. And it HAS brought me happiness! Also some despair as well. Lately I've been finding myself spending WAY too much time on the computer searching for happiness when I should be out there enjoying it.
Living alone...the internet is like a room mate. You can see what others are saying and even say a few thoughts yourself. You can look up absolutely anything. I just commented today as to what we did before the internet. Called people i guess. Trouble is everyone I'd call is dead. Boy is this blog making me happy!!!!
I used to read and listen to music. Now I surf the net. Hmm, am I having fun yet?
I have to say sometimes it is fun to think of old songs that I used to really like and go out on You Tube and find them.
It sure comes in handy when you need to look up something. But on the other hand, there are times when I know I spend too much time out on line.
I can't remember before the internet! How in the world did we function? I believe I am way smarter than before. When I want to know something, I just look it up. No searching books, no waiting for the library to open, no card catalogs. Instant gratification.
How can that not make you happy? I've met some of the nicest people, too. I guess it is just like anything else... only what you make of it. If you choose to lock yourself up in front of a screen, you will be lonely.
I think people choose to use the internet for what works/satisfies their own needs.
It's definitely easier to keep in touch with people this way.
I read more about what is going on in the world rather than just the local papers.
I don't know that I would call it the key to happiness, but it has broadened my horizons.
Heck.. I never would have met a few good people if it were not for the internet!
I notice when I'm feeling blue and down I spend more time on the internet.. maybe searching for something to cheer me up.. dunno..
I have found a lot of my old classmates that I have been wanting to contact again and I have fun chatting with them again.. I think being a stay at home mom here in a little town in Sweden I can feel quite isolated. It's not easy to get around because we don't have a car here, so I am at home or just around in this town.. We have 1 grocery store, 1 convience store/gas station, 1 cafe/bakery, 1 library (very small), 1 electronics store and 2 pizzerias.. So there isn't a whole lot to do.. so I like to be able to get "out" into the world..
The internet has also taught me to knit.. it's amazing.. I look up knitting videos on youtube and I picked up a hobby..
Why Not, my psychiatrist told me that the computer monitor can become a substitute "sun" for people with seasonal affective disorder. I told him how much time I spend online, especially in winter. Because of my eyesight, I sit very close to the monitor.
As kk mentioned, the ease of looking up things online has changed my life, too. My best friend loves computers for their capabilities with music, but he doesn't spend much time online. He has dial-up. Whenever I'm at his place and a question arises, I have to stifle my urge to look up the answer online.
It is if you're a JTI!
Orbs, I have never heard that about the artificial sun. I have been diagnosed with seasonal affect disorder and during the winter months I go to light therapy.. I really like it, but it's quite far away so I don't get there as often as I would like.. now we got this huge screen so maybe it will help more.. very cool..
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