Samuel Chiltern answered
Widespread and frequent computer use is a modern phenomenon, so we don't yet have very much information about the long-term effects of computer use on mental health.
However, some studies are beginning to emerge, which I will discuss below.
Mental Health Issues in Children Who Use Computers
It needs to be remembered that no causal evidence has yet to be
found to support a link between computer use and mental health
issues.
However, a recent small-scale study in the UK has suggested that children who spend two hours or more in front of a computer screen a day are more likely to report mental health issues than those who spend less than this amount of time.
This statement might seem quite shocking at first glance - but it's likely that children who suffer from shyness or social anxieties would prefer to play computer games, rather than taking part in activities involving large groups of other children.
Therefore, it might just be the case that having a mental health issue makes a person more likely to indulge in protracted periods of computer use.
Mental Health Issues in Adults Who Regularly Use Computers
A large-scale study, involving 25,000 people, came to the conclusion that too much time spent in front of computers can be damaging. The most notable symptoms included depression and insomnia.
The group who had five or more hours of screen time per day were more likely to report a mental health issue, than those who spent less time using computers.
However, this study was only conducted within one organisation, and fails to account for cultural factors within that company, or the influence of the personal backgrounds of the workforce. For example, it could simply be that this effect is caused by the way in which information technology is implemented in that particular organisation.
However, some studies are beginning to emerge, which I will discuss below.
Mental Health Issues in Children Who Use Computers
It needs to be remembered that no causal evidence has yet to be
found to support a link between computer use and mental health
issues.
However, a recent small-scale study in the UK has suggested that children who spend two hours or more in front of a computer screen a day are more likely to report mental health issues than those who spend less than this amount of time.
This statement might seem quite shocking at first glance - but it's likely that children who suffer from shyness or social anxieties would prefer to play computer games, rather than taking part in activities involving large groups of other children.
Therefore, it might just be the case that having a mental health issue makes a person more likely to indulge in protracted periods of computer use.
Mental Health Issues in Adults Who Regularly Use Computers
A large-scale study, involving 25,000 people, came to the conclusion that too much time spent in front of computers can be damaging. The most notable symptoms included depression and insomnia.
The group who had five or more hours of screen time per day were more likely to report a mental health issue, than those who spent less time using computers.
However, this study was only conducted within one organisation, and fails to account for cultural factors within that company, or the influence of the personal backgrounds of the workforce. For example, it could simply be that this effect is caused by the way in which information technology is implemented in that particular organisation.
