A new study by researchers at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany has found that spending excessive time online is associated with higher stress levels, worse mood, and greater neglect of other activities. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, add to the growing body of evidence examining the psychological costs of heavy internet use. The study surveyed 900 German adults in 2025 who reported engaging in at least one of four online activities during the previous year: gaming, pornography use, social network use, or online shopping.
Participants completed detailed questionnaires that measured their self-reported time spent on each activity, as well as validated scales for perceived stress and mood. They also reported how often they neglected important areas of life such as work, school, personal relationships, or hobbies because of their online behavior. The researchers analyzed the data while controlling for demographic factors such as age, gender, and education level to isolate the relationship between online time and well-being.
The results showed a clear and consistent pattern: individuals who reported higher levels of online engagement also reported significantly greater stress and worse mood. Moreover, they were more likely to say they had neglected important real-world activities. This association held across all four categories of online activity, suggesting that the effect is not limited to any single type of digital behavior but reflects a broader link between heavy internet use and psychological distress.
The researchers noted that the relationship between time online and well-being was not simply linear. Moderate use – for example, a few hours per week on social networks or gaming – did not appear to be harmful. However, beyond a certain threshold, negative effects became increasingly pronounced. The study highlights the importance of finding a balance between digital engagement and offline responsibilities. The authors emphasize that their findings do not imply that all internet use is detrimental; rather, the context and amount of use matter greatly.
Because the study is cross-sectional, it cannot prove that excessive time online causes stress or poor mood. It is possible that people who are already stressed or in a negative mood are drawn to spend more time online, or that a third factor – such as loneliness or lack of social support – drives both behaviors. Nevertheless, the researchers argue that the observed pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that excessive online activity may displace healthier pursuits like physical exercise, face-to-face social interaction, and sleep, thereby contributing to worsening well-being over time.
The findings come amid ongoing public and scientific debates about the impact of digital technology on mental health, especially among younger adults. Previous research has linked heavy social media use to increased rates of anxiety and depression, but the new study broadens the scope by including gaming, pornography, and online shopping. The authors call for further longitudinal research to explore the causal mechanisms behind these associations and to develop evidence-based interventions that promote healthier digital habits. The study serves as a timely reminder that while the internet offers many benefits, unchecked overuse may come with real psychological costs.
