Is daily internet use the secret to middle-aged happiness?

Using the internet will help you save time, connect with friends faster and access valuable information to help make better decisions.

These are the findings of Norwegian scientists, who also found that going online helps people get through their “midlife crisis” faster.

However, the study has been criticized by some who argue that the internet can also have negative effects.

They claim it's not how much time you spend online, but what you do while online that has the biggest impact on happiness.

It is inevitable that happiness declines as we enter middle age, but using the internet makes life more enjoyable and keeps us smiling longer. Internet use has been shown to increase happiness throughout the adult lifespan.

Drs. Fulvio Castellacci and Henrik Schwabe, of the Center for Innovation in Technology and Culture at the University of Oslo, looked at more than 100,000 Europeans in the study. They compared the number of broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in EU countries with life satisfaction data from the Eurobarometer survey.

After controlling for external factors like income, occupation, and location, they directly observed the relationship between time spent online and a person's happiness.

The authors found that in adolescence, there was no difference in happiness between those who went online frequently and those who used the Internet rarely.

But research finds that as people age, those who spend more time online stay happier longer.

Typically, happiness across an adult's lifetime follows a U-shaped curve.

In our twenties, we are often optimistic, cheerful and enjoying ourselves, but as the years go by this enthusiasm gradually erodes.

Happiness levels tend to bottom out around age 50, when most people experience a “midlife crisis,” before slowly rising again.

Researchers found that internet use slowed this decline in happiness across adult life.

They write: "Active Internet users have different patterns of happiness in life than others.

"Specifically, we find that Internet users have: (1) more stable and less pronounced declines in life satisfaction in young adulthood; and (2) earlier and stronger recovery after the U-shaped turning point. '

With a more gentle decline in happiness, frequent internet users reached a turning point – the midlife crisis – at age 48.5.

Happiness levels tend to bottom out around age 50, when most people experience a midlife crisis, before gradually rising again. Using the Internet helps the midlife crisis pass more quickly and makes us happier throughout our lives.

This figure is significantly earlier than for semi-regular users and those who do not go online – bottoming out at ages 50 and 51.9.

The researchers gave three reasons why the study contradicts the long-held belief that social media and excessive internet use are harmful to mental health.

In fact, the Internet can be used to save time, provide clearer information, and maintain social life.

Dr. Malte Elson, of Ruhr University Bochum in Germany, is not convinced by the results.

“You can have very positive and very negative experiences on the internet, and you can use your internet connection for meaningful activities but also for activities that are not fun or enjoyable,” he said.

“Bringing all of these under one umbrella term would not fully reflect the diversity of what we call the Internet.

What makes us happy?

Since 2013, 193 countries, two observer states and eleven territories of the United Nations have jointly celebrated International Day of Happiness on March 20 every year.

This day is intended to draw attention to the issues arising in finding and maintaining a positive mental attitude towards life.

Extensive research by scientists has shown that happiness is not something that happens, but rather that making small changes to your behavior, surroundings, and relationships can lead to a happier life.

5 Simple Ways to Achieve Happiness

1. Stress

Managing stress with some time management techniques can make a big difference if you feel like your workload is overwhelming you. Regular exercise, including breathing exercises, can also help and is a positive change.

2. Humor

Trying to see the funny side of a situation can help you cope with stress, and activities like seeing friends or taking a bath can improve your day, as well as avoid things that will make you feel worse later.

3. Self-esteem

Treat yourself as you would someone you love the most and say positive things to yourself instead of putting yourself down.

4. Health

Limit alcohol, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep.

5. Communication

Talking about a stressful situation you're in with a friend, family member, or counselor can help you relieve stress.