Internet surfers caught in a web of depression

[muse]

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Internet-surfers-caught-in-a.6034994.jp

Agree or disagree?

Do you think that the internet causes depression, or do you think there are other causes for depression?

If there is a depression across the globe, what can be done to encourage positivity?

What underlying issues need to be fixed up? Are these issues related to lack of real-time social connections? Is it a matter of social networking sites making people less connected to one another and more connected to profiles connected to a person they don't see in real life? What changes need to happen in the world in order for people to be happy people?

That goes for here too, people. I get the sense that the overwhelming majority are currently depressed and on the verge. You are creative entities capable of changing the world. What about the world needs to change? What about your world in specific needs to change for you to be happy? What is keeping you from happiness? And do you think taking a break from the internet would make you sadder or happier? Would you go out and talk to people in real-time, or self-isolate? I suppose that's an underlying question...

The other thing. This article seems to suggest that people with mental illnesses are more drawn to the internet. Your thoughts?

Rather than seeing suicide threats become a socially accepted trend, what can be done to encourage positive mindsets in ourselves and one another? What do you folks need?
_________________
panem et circenses

...you people are the real thing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTN3s2iVKKI

[MartyCaseyFan]

Thanks for sharing this muse! I saw this on the news a few days back.


In my opinion, it really depends. Sometimes the internet can help depression. I find coming in here every day very therapeutic for instance. However, some people may not especially since the internet is no substitute for a real person.
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Fuck off Ana. Kiss my big, juicy ass.

[Rook]

Thanks for sharing.

I think internet use is probably the symptom rather than the cause, because it's a bit mindless, and for me personally at least, sometimes I'll be on the web because it makes me feel like I'm doing something. You know the states you can get into when you're depressed, where you just basically sit/stand/lie still not doing anything at all because you can't sum up the emotional energy? Sometimes when I'm in that mood, I go online and check my email and Facebook repeatedly, but I'm not actually paying attention and I know there won't be anything new.

My guess is that if we didn't have TV/the internet, people who were depressed would still use escapism techniques.
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[muse]

What I'm wondering is if people use electronic devices instead of human companionship in this modern age.

Do you use facebook to meet up with people in real life? (ie. look up local social events to attend that interest you?)

At what point do you tell yourself "I'm just sitting at a computer clicking things over and over again. I should do something else", and then what do you do with your time in those times?

Do you call people?

Do you hook up to a different device (game station, music player, television)?

Do social gatherings with others center around some sort of electronic device? Do electronic devices get in the way of social interaction (serve as a replacement for it) or do they enhance social interaction? Do the people you talk to online share the most positive expression of themselves or do they use the internet and being anonymous to use their connections as a confessional?

Do you recognize your impact on those you interact with anonymously online, and how you can positively encourage others and create ripples across the globe?

[The same thing can be done in your local community if you want to take the time and effort. But that's another story.]
_________________
panem et circenses

...you people are the real thing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTN3s2iVKKI

[Fishbulb]

Reading your post, I've just realised something. When I go to the pub with my boyfriend, the quiz machine now appears to have taken over from normal conversation. I must make a pact with myself (and him) to veer away from the infernal machine taking my money and instead talk to him over a pint.

However, the same machine has been known to cause debates and conversation after a game has been played, triggered by a question or a response to a question.