Digitale Demenz? Mythen und wissenschaftliche Befundlage zur Auswirkung von Internetnutzung
Abstract
Digitale Medien sind, so selbstverständlich wie nie zuvor, Teil unseres Alltags. Damit verbunden sind Befürchtungen, dass vor allem die intensive Computer- und Internetnutzung negative Konsequenzen aufweist. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen Überblick zum Forschungsstand über die Auswirkungen der Nutzung von Computer und Internet. Neun populäre Mythen werden identifiziert und mit Hilfe einer Zusammenschau von meta-analytischen Befunden auf deren wissenschaftlichen Gehalt überprüft. Im Mittel der aggregierten Ergebnisse finden sich keine Belege dafür, dass die Nutzung digitaler Medien zu sozialem Rückzug führt, gesellschaftlich-politisches Engagement verhindert oder die selbstberichtete Einsamkeit erhöht. Die Zusammenhänge zwischen Internetnutzung und Wohlbefinden bzw. Depressivität sind sehr klein, aber signifikant, wie auch die Zusammenhänge zwischen der Nutzung von Bildschirmmedien und Übergewicht. Im Mittel zeigt sich ferner, dass das Lernen mit Computer und Internet, inklusive Lernspiele, positive Konsequenzen haben kann. Allerdings sind die negativen Auswirkungen von gewalthaltigen Videospielen auf aggressives Verhalten und Erleben ebenfalls gut belegt. Die Befunde werden mit Blick auf populärwissenschaftliche Publikationen sowie die Rolle der Psychologie diskutiert.
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.
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