Internet use and psychological well-being: a meta-analysis

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2010 Jun;13(3):241-9. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2009.0217.

Abstract

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between various Internet uses and measures of psychological well-being, including depression, loneliness, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. Forty studies represent a total sample of 21,258 participants and yield a data of 43 independent correlations. The mean correlation was -0.0504 for the fixed-effects model and r = -0.0385 for the random-effects model, indicating a small detrimental effect of Internet use on psychological well-being. According to the random-effects model, the effect of all moderators, including type of Internet use, indicator of well-being, quality of Internet use measure, and participant age and gender were insignificant. Since these moderators failed to explain the variation in the relationship between Internet use and psychological well-being, future investigations should consider the possible sources of these differences.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internet / statistics & numerical data*
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Models, Psychological*
  • Personality*
  • Self Concept*
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult