The Internet, while addictive, can also increase our sense of inner well-being. Internet access gives a feeling of greater freedom and control over one’s life. This conclusion of British scientists seems quite natural to the philosopher Vincent Cespedes.
Psychologies : How does the Internet make us happy?
V.S. V.S.: The feeling of being connected with the world and useful to it is one of the main sources of our happiness. By participating in discussions on forums and social networks, we feel that we are contributing to the common knowledge of mankind.
How to explain the fact that, according to the results of this study, the Internet brings the greatest joy and benefit to those who in real life are deprived of its benefits and joys?
V.S. V.S.: The Internet eliminates any boundaries and allows you to quench your thirst for knowledge. People, weighed down by various complexes, find there a platform where they can communicate without any embarrassment. This is a kind of revenge on real life.
Why is the Internet more euphoric for women than for men?
V.S. V.S.: Since school, girls have been more shy than boys in situations where they need to show themselves in public. The Internet destroys this obstacle, which, of course, cheers up and adds self-confidence.
* For more information see the British Institute of Information Technology website http://bcs.org/content/conWebDoc/35476
Interview Nadezhda Vasilevskaya