by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: August 16, 2010   Last Updated: May 30, 2012

Yes, spending too much of the wrong kind of time on the internet can lead to many different types, levels and forms of depression. Some people spend most of their day on line because they want to get paid. Others are invested in particular internet activities that enhance their hobbies, businesses, education, and organizational activities. Many have only the internet as their lifeline to the world, as they are disabled, temporarily ill, isolated or stationed worlds away from family and friends.

But many people end up with the internet as another source of dysfunction in their overall dysfunctional romantic and social lives. They turn the PC or smart phone on with the strict intention of getting someone to pay attention to them or to be the love of their life. They are not members of a social networking site for a week before they are dominating every conversation with details of the great new "guy" or "girl" in their life, or the "fabulous" new friends.

These are people who are heading directly for an episode of depression that comes from not being fully capable of handling their social or romantic lives in the real world or on line. They probably have already been diagnosed with some form of mental or social adjustment problem and can easily fall into behavior that triggers major problems with the people that they meet online. If others do not know or care about them, internet relationships and discussions can turn ugly, predatory or very cruel. As a possibility, these individuals need counseling and guidance for dealing with the rigors of being involved with online interactions.

For others, spending way too much time in depressing areas, including the news, political discussions and blogs that dwell on personal problems and tragedy is a perfect invitation to depression. By mixing up the content with lighter fare, more positive topics and interactions with positive or humorous blogs and forums, the heavier stuff will not become such an overbearing emotional load.

There are addictions or dependencies and withdrawals that occur on line. A favorite social networking site or forum can change. Members can drift away or forums can be shut down. If participation in forums or groups was a major daily activity, moving on can bring up feelings of loss, hopelessness and sadness that can be difficult to resolve. Finding a new place with the same qualities can be difficult and withdrawal can be rough. It is important

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