The Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Depression

"The Relationship Between Depression and Internet Addiction" is the title of a study completed in 1998 by Kimberly Young and Robert Rogers. While years have passed since this research was performed, recent studies have confirmed many of the same results. For instance, in February 2010 a British research team released results of a study that reached many of the same conclusions – namely that these two health issues, Internet addiction and depression, can certainly be linked.

However, the link may not necessarily be a firm causal connection, meaning that someone addicted to the Internet is not necessarily going to become depressed, or vice versa. But while one of these issues might not definitively be caused by the other or result in the other, there is still evidence that links them. For example, an Internet addict who spends hours at a time isolated from others while surfing the Internet may certainly become depressed as a result. In addition, someone who is battling depression may very well seek out the less intense and more anonymous socialization and interaction opportunities that can be found online, rather than in the real world. In short, more research is needed to further determine the link between these two serious health matters, but Young and Rogers' research, as well as the recent British study, confirm that there seems to be at least some relationship between Internet addiction and depression.

As a parent worried about a child's well-being as it relates to their Internet usage and overall mental health, what can be taken from such research? Your doctor should be the first resource if you have concerns related to such matters, or would like more information about the relationship between Internet addiction and depression. However, if you are looking for ways to monitor and manage your child's screen time on the Internet and other devices in your home, the innovative Mikko Que can help.
With the Mikko Que you can reduce the use of electronic devices by decreasing your child's time allowance over a period of time.  For example, in a given month you might allow your child 10 hours a day of use. Then, you can reduce usage to eight hours a day the next month and so on until your child's media consumption is more in line with recommended standards. This technique is less obtrusive and will result in less resistance.  It will also give parents the peace of mind that during sleeping hours their children are not up watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the Internet.

For more information on the Mikko Que and how it can help you instill healthy media consumption habits in your children, and potentially avoid the consequences of Internet addiction and/or depression, contact us today.

Media Management for Children … It’s time.