In a comprehensive study conducted by Oxford University, involving two million participants, researchers have failed to identify substantial evidence linking internet use to significant harm to mental health. The findings challenge common assumptions about the negative psychological impact of internet technologies.
The investigation aimed to assess changes in three indicators of psychological wellbeing, including life satisfaction, over time in correlation with internet and mobile broadband usage. The study utilized self-assessment questionnaires and analyzed data from 2,434,203 individuals aged 15-89 in 168 countries between 2005 and 2022.
Contrary to expectations, the study revealed that both positive and negative experiences among participants increased over the study period, but no conclusive evidence linked these changes to internet use as a cause.
The researchers went further to explore potential demographic trends among internet users, considering age and gender. The study found no specific patterns, including among women and girls, and even noted that, on average, life satisfaction increased among women over the study period.
Professor Andrew Przybylski, affiliated with the Oxford Internet Institute, commented on the results, stating, “We looked very hard for a ‘smoking gun’ linking technology and wellbeing and didn’t find it.” Dr. Matti Vuorre, a study co-author, added, “Our descriptive results indicated small and inconsistent associations.”
Despite these unexpected findings, the researchers acknowledged certain limitations to the study, highlighting a lack of data provided by technology companies, which hinders conclusive evidence on the impact of internet use. They noted that crucial data for research are often held by technology companies and online platforms, limiting the ability to thoroughly examine the potential adverse effects of internet use on mental health.
Moving forward, the researchers emphasize the need to access and utilize this data to conduct more in-depth studies on the relationship between internet use and mental health, addressing the current gaps in understanding.