Psychological Impact of the Internet

A recent article in the New York Times, (syndicated in the San Francisco Examiner, August 30th) headlined "Internet Use Linked to Decline in Mental Well-Being," reported on a concentrated study of online activity at home, claiming that even a few hours a week online led to an increase in depression and loneliness, a decrease in interaction with family members, and a reduction in one's circle of friends. One researcher offered the hypothesis that the online activity tended to "build shallow relationships, leading to an overall decline in feeling of connection to other people." Another respondent commented "...it is not about the technology, per se; it's about how it is used." Several participants in the study expressed surprise when told about the study's conclusions, since they actually felt the technology offered them an increase in being connected.

These contrasting responses can be viewed from an Adlerian perspective: the pre-existing style of life and unconscious fictional, final goal of an individual dictates what he will bring to and get from an experience. Some people, who prefer an active mental connection, may also minimize (or avoid) emotional or physical contact--online modes may be more comfortable for them. The "feeling of community" (Adler's corner stone for mental health) cannot be developed in any depth without face-to-face personal contact and the exchange of positive feeling. A great deal of online chat and e-mail is emotionally neutral or aggressive. Perhaps the great volume of sexually oriented web sites and chat are compensatory attempts to form casua; groups (instead of creating communities) and fill emotional voids.

Just as one's work and sexual attitudes are reflections of a consistent style of life, Internet behavior is no exception to that unity of expression. People who have a desire to contribute, and generously enrich the lives of others, will find a satisfying medium for that quest; others who want to enrich themselves (legally or illegally) will find ample opportunities for mass marketing and seductive scams; still others who want to disrupt and depreciate, will find the anonymity of the Internet a convenient hiding place for their sniper attacks. Recently, with the advancement of video capability, attention-seeking individuals and couples have found an international audience for their daily activities.

Although research can stimulate thinking about "causes" of mass behavior, Adler's valuable constructs of "psychology of use" and "future causation" can more usefully illuminate the relationship between individuals and the technology they utilize to further their goals.

Henry T. Stein, Ph.D., Director

Alfred Adler Institute of San Francisco

Web Site: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/hstein/

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