In Defense of the Internet: The Relationship between Internet Communication and Depression, Loneliness, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Social Support

TLDR

Researchers are increasingly studying how Internet use affects psychological health, amid negative public opinion stemming from Kraut et al.’s 1998 finding of a positive correlation with depression, loneliness, and stress. The study aimed to test the hypothesis that Internet usage can have beneficial effects on users. Participants completed five anonymous chat sessions and were assessed at three intervals using scales for depression, loneliness, self‑esteem, and social support, with changes tracked over time. Internet use significantly reduced loneliness and depression, while increasing perceived social support and self‑esteem.

Abstract

As more people connect to the Internet, researchers are beginning to examine the effects of Internet use on users' psychological health. Due in part to a study released by Kraut and colleagues in 1998, which concluded that Internet use is positively correlated with depression, loneliness, and stress, public opinion about the Internet has been decidedly negative. In contrast, the present study was designed to test the hypothesis that Internet usage can affect users beneficially. Participants engaged in five chat sessions with an anonymous partner. At three different intervals they were administered scales measuring depression, loneliness, self-esteem, and social support. Changes in their scores were tracked over time. Internet use was found to decrease loneliness and depression significantly, while perceived social support and self-esteem increased significantly.