Excessive Online Time Linked to Higher Stress and Poor Mood

A new study from the University of Duisburg‑Essen, published in *PLOS One*, examined the relationship between online activity and mental well‑being among German adults. The researchers surveyed 900 participants in 2025 who reported using gaming, pornography, social networks, or online shopping at least once in the preceding year. The data were analyzed to determine how much time participants spent on these activities and how that time correlated with psychological outcomes.

The analysis found that excessive online engagement was linked to higher levels of stress, poorer mood, and a greater tendency to neglect other activities such as work, study, or face‑to‑face social interactions. Participants who reported spending the most time on digital platforms reported the worst mental health indicators, suggesting a dose‑response relationship between screen time and psychological distress. The study also noted that the effect was consistent across the different types of online activity, indicating that the sheer volume of time spent online, rather than the specific content, may be the key factor.

These findings underscore the importance of monitoring digital habits in the context of mental health. While the study does not establish causality, it highlights a potential risk associated with prolonged online use and calls for further research into effective interventions to mitigate stress and improve mood among heavy internet users.