A study says Internet access is good for our health. The report suggested that being connected to the web is positive for our well-being. Researchers looked at data on people's Internet use and health from 168 countries. The data was from the years 2006 to 2021. It included information on two million people aged 15 to 99. The researchers looked at eight factors that affect people's health. These included life satisfaction, positive experiences, and social life. The team found that people with Internet access were eight per cent happier than those without it.

Some research conclusions were surprising. One was that using the Internet was as good as walking in nature. Researchers said the Internet helps people to learn new things, practice hobbies, and make friends. However, the research did not look at social media. Many studies show that social media negatively affects people's mental health. A researcher said: "The study cannot contribute to the recent debate on whether or not social media use is harmful." He added that: "Different channels and uses of the Internet have [very] different effects on well-being."