Home >  Psychiatry MDTV >  Psychiatry Shorts >  How Worse Moods Are...

How Worse Moods Are Associated with Browsing Negative Content Online? Study Sheds Light

By - Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri
Published On 2024-11-23 03:00 GMT   |   Update On 2024-11-23 03:00 GMT
Advertisement
People with poorer mental health are more prone to browsing negative content online, which further exacerbates their symptoms, finds a study led by UCL researchers. The relationship between mental health and web-browsing is causal and bi-directional, according to the Wellcome-funded study published in Nature Human Behaviour.
The researchers have developed a plug-in tool that adds ‘content labels’ to web pages—similar to nutrition labels on food—designed to help users make healthier and more informed decisions about the content they consume. These labels emphasise the emotional impact of webpage content, along with its practicality and informativeness.
Over 1,000 study participants answered questions about their mental health and shared their web browsing history with the researchers. Using natural language processing methods, the researchers analysed the emotional tone of the webpages participants visited. They found that participants with worse moods and mental health symptoms were inclined to browse more negative content online, and after browsing, those who browsed more negative content felt worse.
Advertisement
Co-lead author, PhD student Christopher Kelly, said: "The results contribute to the ongoing debate regarding the relationship between mental health and online behaviour.
“Most research addressing this relationship has focused on the quantity of use, such as screen time or frequency of social media use, which has led to mixed conclusions. Here, instead, we focus on the type of content browsed and find that its emotional tone is causally and bidirectionally related to mental health and mood."
To check whether an intervention could be used to change web-browsing choices and improve mood, the researchers conducted a further study. They added content labels to the results of a Google search, which informed participants whether each search result would likely improve their mood, make it worse, or have no impact. Participants were then more likely to choose the positively-labelled sites deemed likely to improve their mood—and when asked about their mood after, those who had looked at the positive websites were indeed in better moods than other participants.
In response, the researchers have developed a free browser plug-in that adds labels to Google search results, providing three different ratings of how practical a website’s content is, how informative it is, and how it impacts mood.
Reference: Kelly, C.A., Sharot, T. Web-browsing patterns reflect and shape mood and mental health. Nat Hum Behav (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02065-6
Vagus Nerve Stimulation May Ease Inflammmatory Bowel Disease
Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : Nature Human Behaviour

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Bhumika Maikhuri

Dr Bhumika Maikhuri is an orthodontist with 2 years of clinical experience. She is also working as a medical writer and anchor at Medical Dialogues. She has completed her BDS from Dr D.Y. Patil Medical College and Hospital and MDS from Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences. She has a few publications and patents to her credit. Her diverse background in clinical dentistry and academic research uniquely positions her to contribute meaningfully to our team.

Comments Policy
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News

Too Much or Too Little Sleep Leads to Increased Risk of Mortality: Study Finds

Could Your Sensitivity Be Affecting Your Mental Health? Study Finds Out

After How Long Is Dementia Usually Diagnosed? Study Provides Crucial Insights

Could Smoking and Vaping Be Making Teen Mental Health Worse? Study Sheds Light

Study Reveals How Green Spaces May Protect Children Against ADHD and Autism

This Combination May Speed Up Memory Decline in Older Adults: Study Finds

Too Young for Screen? Early Smartphone Use May be Tied to Suicidal Thoughts, Aggression, Study Suggests

Heart Healthy Habits May Shield You from Cancer, Dementia, Diabetes and More: Study