Is the internet giving you the flu?

Updated
Is the Internet Giving you the Flu?
Is the Internet Giving you the Flu?

If you're addicted to online shopping or social media, know that it may not be just in your head. It might be making you sick too!

A study by Swansea and Milan Universities discovered that excessive Internet use can damage the immune system.

SEE ALSO: Flu vaccine during pregnancy may guard against stillbirths

Scientists surveyed 500 people between the ages of 18 and 101.

Forty percent of them admitted to being somewhat addicted to the Internet.

Researchers found they had 30 percent more flu symptoms than those who claimed were not addicted.

The symptoms were brought on by a cycle of stress and fluctuating levels of cortisol.

The average amount of time spent online was six hours. Men prioritized gaming and pornography online, while women shopped and used social media.

Users found relief while they were online and stress when they were offline.

So maybe work on ways to de-stress without technology. Although, come to think of it, there's probably an app for that.

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