Study shows excessive time online is associated with stress, bad moods, and abandoning enjoyable activities

A German study of 900 adults found that more severe problematic internet use was linked to higher stress, worse moods, longer online sessions, and neglect of other activities.

Researchers tracked people who used gaming, pornography, social networking, or online shopping and found that momentary temptation to go online best predicted actual use.

The observational study cannot prove causation, but it suggests digital addiction is tied to poorer daily well-being.

Interventions may be more effective if they focus on reducing urges to go online, not just lowering stress.