A recent study from Aalto University in Finland reveals that online shopping may elevate stress levels more than engaging with news, emails, or adult content. Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the findings suggest that individuals seeking convenience in online shopping might inadvertently be compromising their well-being.
The research, led by doctoral researcher Mohammed Belal, highlights a complex relationship between internet use and stress. Previous studies indicated that many people turn to social media and online shopping as coping mechanisms. However, this new study shows a stronger correlation between increased online shopping and heightened self-reported stress across various user demographics.
“Our results show that a rise in social media use or online shopping is linked to an increase in self-reported stress across multiple user groups and devices,” Belal states. This suggests that rather than alleviating stress, these online activities could contribute to it, particularly for those who already experience high levels of tension.
Stress Levels and Internet Usage Patterns
The study analyzed the internet habits of nearly 1,500 adults over a seven-month period, combining this data with information from 47 million web visits and 14 million app usages. Results indicated that users of platforms like YouTube and online gaming also reported elevated stress levels. Notably, people experiencing high stress were twice as likely to associate time spent on social media with increased stress compared to time spent gaming.
Interestingly, individuals who dedicated more time to reading emails and news or watching adult entertainment reported lower stress levels. Belal notes that those who frequented news sites experienced less stress, a finding that contrasts with previous research suggesting that stress often diminishes news consumption.
“Somewhat surprisingly, people who spent a lot of time on news sites reported less stress than others,” he explains. “On the other hand, those who already experienced a lot of stress didn’t spend much time on news sites, which aligns with earlier findings.”
Women reported experiencing higher stress levels than men, while older and wealthier participants generally reported lower stress. The researchers speculate that the short, often sporadic consumption of adult entertainment might serve as a temporary stress reliever, providing a break from daily pressures.
Implications for Future Research and Well-being
This study arrives at a crucial time when the impact of social media on mental health is under significant scrutiny. For instance, Australia’s recent ban on social media for children has drawn international attention. Despite the growing influence of the internet on daily life, understanding its effects on well-being remains limited.
Belal emphasizes the need for further research, stating, “It leaves a huge critical gap in understanding how online behaviors impact stress and well-being.” Assistant professor Juhi Kulshrestha adds that the study is among the first to monitor internet usage through a tracking program rather than relying solely on self-reported data, thereby enhancing the reliability of the findings.
“The long duration and large sample size make these findings particularly significant,” she notes. Future research will aim to explore how different types of news consumption, such as political or entertainment content, relate to stress and overall well-being.
As researchers continue to investigate these connections, there is hope that improved data will facilitate the creation of tools designed to help internet users manage their online habits effectively. “As we gain increasingly accurate information about people’s internet usage, it will be possible to design new kinds of tools that people can use to regulate their browsing and improve their well-being,” Kulshrestha concludes.
The study serves as a critical reminder of the potential pitfalls of online shopping and social media use, urging individuals to reflect on their internet habits and their impacts on stress levels.
For more detailed insights, refer to the publication: Mohammad Belal et al, “Internet Use and Perceived Stress: Longitudinal Observational Study Combining Web Tracking Data with Questionnaires,” Journal of Medical Internet Research (2025). DOI: 10.2196/78775.