Is the Internet Bad for Your Health? [Infographic]

Warning: The Internet may be shrinking your brain. According to an infographic from Insurance.com, small regions in the brains of Internet addicts shrank by 10-20 percent. And that’s not all: Extensive Internet use has been linked with eyestrain, bad posture, ADHD, sleep deprivation, bullying, relationship stress and more.

Laura Walter

Dec. 5, 2012

The majority of Americans – 85 percent of adults and 95 percent of teens – use the Internet, and up to 5-10 percent of Internet users are addicted. Are you one of them? If so, according to a new infographic from Insurance.com, your health may be in harm’s way.

The infographic relates that one-third of people consider the Internet as important as food, water and shelter. Furthermore, 20 percent of divorces cite Facebook as a contributing factor; extensive periods of reading off a computer screen leads to bad posture habits; heavy computer use may lead to eyestrain; children who are heavy Internet users may be more likely to show signs of depression; and more. Extensive Internet use is also connected with sleep deprivation, bad posture, relationship stress and ADHD.

“Internet addiction isn’t currently classified as a mental health disorder, although the American Psychiatric Association has recommended more research on this topic, so that could change,” the infographic explains.

See the infographic below for more information:

Ehstoday Com Sites Ehstoday com Files Uploads 2012 11 Internet Health Infographic

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.