A recent study from Aalto University in Finland reveals that online shopping may elevate stress levels more than activities such as reading news, checking emails, or engaging with adult content. The findings, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, suggest that the act of shopping online could be detrimental to mental well-being.
The research involved nearly 1,500 adults over a seven-month period, tracking their internet usage alongside self-reported stress levels. Doctoral researcher Mohammed Belal highlighted the complexity of the relationship between digital behavior and stress. While many turn to social media and online shopping as a means of stress relief, the study indicates that increased engagement with these platforms is associated with heightened stress across various demographic groups.
Interestingly, users of YouTube, streaming services, and online gaming also reported elevated stress levels. For individuals already experiencing significant stress, time spent on social media was twice as likely to correlate with increased stress compared to time spent gaming. Conversely, those who engaged more frequently with news sites or adult entertainment reported lower stress levels.
Belal noted, “Somewhat surprisingly, people who spent a lot of time on news sites reported less stress than others. On the other hand, those who already experienced a lot of stress didn’t spend much time on news sites.” This observation aligns with prior research suggesting that high-stress individuals may reduce their news consumption.
The study underscores a broader trend connecting internet usage to increased stress, particularly among individuals already facing daily pressures. It also found that women reported higher stress levels compared to men, while older and wealthier participants experienced less stress.
The potential de-stressing effect of adult content consumption may be attributed to its typically limited duration, providing a brief escape from stress or boredom.
Understanding Internet Usage and Stress
The findings come amid growing scrutiny of the impact of social media on mental health. For instance, a recent ban on social media for children in Australia has sparked global discussions about the role of digital platforms in our lives. Despite the significant influence of the internet, the scientific understanding of its effects on well-being remains limited, according to Belal.
He emphasized, “It leaves a huge critical gap in understanding how online behaviors impact stress and well-being.” The study is notable for utilizing a tracking program installed on users’ devices, rather than relying solely on self-reported data. This approach, combined with the large sample size, enhances the reliability of the findings.
Assistant professor Juhi Kulshrestha acknowledged the need for further research to clarify the intricate relationship between internet usage and stress. “Are people more stressed because they are spending more time online shopping or on social media, or are such sites offering them important support in times of duress?” she queried.
The researchers caution that blanket bans on specific types of internet usage may not effectively address the underlying issues and could remove vital support for individuals in distress.
As the study progresses, the researchers plan to investigate the consumption of various news types, such as political and entertainment news, to understand their relationship with stress and well-being better. Their ultimate goal is to develop tools that help users maintain a healthy balance in their internet usage.
Kulshrestha concluded, “As we gain increasingly accurate information about people’s internet usage, it will be possible to design new kinds of tools that people can use to regulate their browsing and improve their well-being.”
This research highlights the importance of understanding how our digital habits impact mental health and opens the door for future studies aimed at promoting better online experiences.
