United Kingdom, July 30 -- Spending excessive amounts of time online is linked to higher stress levels, worse moods and greater neglect of everyday activities, according to new research.

The study, carried out by academics at the University of Duisburg-Essen and published in PLOS One, examined the online habits of 900 German adults in 2025.

Participants reported using online services including gaming platforms, social networks, pornography sites and shopping websites at least once during the previous year.

Researchers categorised internet use as either non-problematic, risky or pathological depending on frequency and impact. Problematic internet use was defined as excessive engagement with online activities that caused distress or affe...