Excessive online use puts your immunity at risk
Those who are addicted to the internet may experience even more stress when being unplugged from the net
IT is easy for all of us to escape to the internet when we feel overwhelmed, stressed, depressed or lonely.
It’s the one thing that provides us with a constant, ever-changing source of entertainment, information and tools that are accessible through TVs, PCs, smart phones and tablets.
But a new study hints that too much time online could put one’s immunity in jeopardy, increasing the risk of colds and flu by 30%.
The recently released research study, which was conducted by Swansea and Milan Universities, found that those who spend in excess of four hours a day online for personal use, over and above work, reported more cold and flu symptoms than those who spend less time online.
The study involved 500 men and women between the ages of 18 and 100.
Mariska van Aswegen, spokesperson for Pharma Dynamics says SA’s 24.9 million internet users should take note.
‘South Africans already spend an average of five hours a day online whether they’re on a PC, laptop or tablet and on top of that an additional three hours could be spent surfing the net on their cellphones, which puts their immunity at even greater risk,’ said Mariska.
‘Most internet addicts also have other bad habits that can suppress their immune system and make them more susceptible to infection.’
‘These include lack of sleep, eating too much junk food, not exercising enough, and they tend to smoke and drink more alcohol compared to those who are less concerned about being connected 24/7.’
In addition, the study found that those who are addicted to the internet may experience even more stress when being unplugged from the net, and that this cycle of stress and relief may lead to an increase in cortisol levels.
‘If you’re experiencing a lot of stress your cortisol levels remain elevated, which can lead to more regular infections, such as colds and flu, chronic inflammation, allergies and even autoimmune diseases.’
Whether you use the internet to shop online, for social media, gaming, trading shares or work, it’s the amount of time you spend online that makes you more susceptible to illness, and which we should guard against.
In SA about 11.8 million people are considered to have active social media accounts and of them all South African internet users spend most of their time on WhatsApp, followed by Facebook.
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