Updated
Updated · YourTango · Sep 8
Erika Ryan Lists 7 Mental Health Gains From Pre-24/7 Internet Life
Updated
Updated · YourTango · Sep 8

Erika Ryan Lists 7 Mental Health Gains From Pre-24/7 Internet Life

1 articles · Updated · YourTango · Sep 8

Summary

  • Seven benefits anchor Ryan’s article, arguing life felt mentally healthier when internet access was limited to a shared home computer rather than constant phone-based connection.
  • Reddit users cited deeper relationships, more time for hobbies and creative play, and less pressure from nonstop notifications, social media comparison, and always-on work expectations.
  • 24/7 news exposure also drew scrutiny: Northeastern media expert John Wihbey said an unending social feed can create the impression that everything is negative, hurting well-being.
  • The piece still credits the internet with major advantages—remote work, knowledge access, and global connection—while urging readers to rebuild balance by disconnecting intentionally.

Insights

Did we accidentally trade our emotional wellbeing for convenience when we put the entire internet in our pockets?
If algorithms are designed to exploit our insecurities for retention, is true happiness now only found offline?
Are our brains secretly perceiving constant smartphone notifications as physical threats that destroy our peace of mind?