There is a plethora research the potential harm the Internet. However, new research suggests that spending time online could be good for the mental health older people. A study conducted researchers from New York University found that regular Internet use could reduce the risk of dementia those over 50. Study co-author Dr Virginia Chang explained why there could be a link being online and better mental health. She wrote: "Online engagement may help to develop and maintain cognitive reserve, which can turn compensate for brain aging and reduce the risk dementia." The study concluded that "regularly using the internet may be associated cognitive longevity".
Researchers analyzed data an American health and retirement study. This research involved questioning 18,154 adults the age 50 every two years 16 years. All of the participants were dementia-free at the start the research. Everyone was asked about their physical and mental wellbeing, and about how long they spent interacting the Internet. The researchers discovered that those who used the Internet for to two hours a day were half as likely to be diagnosed with having signs dementia than those who were never online. The research also found that excessive Internet use ( 6 to 8 hours a day) may exacerbate the risks developing dementia.
