Can Spending Too Much Time on the Internet Lead to Mental Illness?

It may not be in our best interest to tell you this, but you should probably cut down on the time you spend online.

That's because a new study has found the more you surf the Web, the more likely you are to develop a host of mental disorders.

To come to this startling conclusion, Swedish researchers tracked the behavior of 4,100 people between the ages of 20 and 24. Excessive time spent in front of the computer was firmly linked to stress, sleeping disorders and depression. (Not to mention ergonomic problems.)

The same study also found a correlation between high levels of stress and the kind of constant availability that results from keeping a cell phone on you at all times.

Video game fans also got bad news as the research linked daily gaming to depression -- especially in women.

In conclusion, the study's authors suggest people put time caps on their internet and phone usage. We would also suggest going outside more. But, be prepared -- that sun you've probably heard about is no joke.