Positive human-to-human contact reduces the blood levels of the stress hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol.
Science is studying the effects of spending time online and have found higher levels of depression and loneliness in people who spend even a few hours per week connected to the Internet. Now, I have lots of questions about that study, mainly that this doesn't prove any cause and effect. If you are a person who is lonely, you might want to spend extra time on the computer anyway.
And I know some computer gamers who go online to feel the strong effects of stress through online games such as World of Warcraft... I won't go into the addiction thing here.
But here's my point: When people are spending most of their time online, or communicating via email versus face-to-face, the brain is not exposed as much to conditions that trigger the release of certain hormones: oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, and serotonin.
These chemical are known to enhance trust, bonding, attention and pleasure. And serotonin reduces fear and worry.
Think about how much less time you spend interacting with humans face-to-face. And then consider that taking a people-break might enhance your mood.
Positive human-to-human contact reduces the blood levels of the stress hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol.
Science is studying the effects of spending time online and have found higher levels of depression and loneliness in people who spend even a few hours per week connected to the Internet. Now, I have lots of questions about that study, mainly that this doesn't prove any cause and effect. If you are a person who is lonely, you might want to spend extra time on the computer anyway.
And I know some computer gamers who go online to feel the strong effects of stress through online games such as World of Warcraft... I won't go into the addiction thing here.
But here's my point: When people are spending most of their time online, or communicating via email versus face-to-face, the brain is not exposed as much to conditions that trigger the release of certain hormones: oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, and serotonin.
These chemical are known to enhance trust, bonding, attention and pleasure. And serotonin reduces fear and worry.
Think about how much less time you spend interacting with humans face-to-face. And then consider that taking a people-break might enhance your mood.