Constantly Online? Mental Problems Await

Reading this could be dangerous for your mental health—if you've already been online for a while. Swedish researchers studied more than 4,100 men and women in their early 20s, and found that most of the ones constantly glued to computers and cell phones were prone to depression, sleeping disorders, and stress, CBS Charlotte reports. “It was easy to spend more time than planned at the computer," said lead author Sara Thomee.

Extended computer use "tended to lead to time pressure, neglect of other activities and personal needs (such as social interaction, sleep, physical activity), as well as bad ergonomics, and mental overload," said Thomee. Heavy cell phone use is no better, because it makes you feel trapped and muddles your work life and private life. Thomee's advice: set strict time limits on your cell phone and computer use, and when the time's up, go live your life. (More computers stories.)