Digital dementia? Myths and scientific evidence concerning the effect of Internet use

Digital media are omnipresent in our daily lives. This popularity is giving rise to fears about the possible negative consequences of computer and internet use. This paper reviews the current empirical knowledge regarding the effects of computer and Internet use. Nine popular myths are identified and compared to scientific evidence based on meta-analytical findings. The meta-analyses yield no evidence for a supposedly maladaptive influence of Internet use on social interactions, political and civic engagement, or loneliness. The relationships between Internet use and well-being or depression are small, but significant, as is the relationship between the use of digital media and obesity. On average, learning with the computer and Internet, including educational games, can have positive effects. However, there is substantial evidence for negative effects of violence in computer games on aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behavior. The findings are discussed with respect to popular science and the role of psychological research in the public discourse.