How does Internet use affect well-being? This paper presents a survey of the literature
investigating this question, and it develops a framework to analyze both positive effects and
potential risks. We point out four distinct channels through which Internet can shape well-
being: it changes time use patterns, creates new activities, facilitates access to information,
and acts as powerful communication tool. We show how these four channels impact well-
being in distinct domains of life. A central point emerging from the literature review is that the …