The study encompassed more than two million participants ’ psychological wellbeing from 2006 – 2021 across 168 countries , in relation to internet use and psychological wellbeing across 33,792 different statistical models and subsets of data , 84.9 % of associations between internet connectivity and wellbeing were positive and statistically significant .

The study analysed data from two million individuals aged 15 to 99 in 168 countries , including Latin America , Asia and Africa and found internet access and use was consistently associated with positive wellbeing .

Professor Przybylski , Oxford Internet Institute , said : “ Whilst internet technologies and platforms and their potential psychological consequences remain debated , research to date has been inconclusive and of limited geographic and demographic scope . The overwhelming majority of studies have focused on the Global North and younger people thereby ignoring the fact that the penetration of the internet has been , and continues to be , a global phenomenon .

“ We set out to address this gap by analysing how internet access , mobile internet access and active internet use might predict psychological wellbeing on a global level across the life stages . To our knowledge , no other research has directly grappled with these issues and addressed the worldwide scope of the debate .”

The researchers studied eight indicators of well-being : life satisfaction , daily negative and positive experiences , two indices of social well-being , physical wellbeing , community wellbeing and experiences of purpose .

Innovation Catalyst ( IBIC ), launched by The University of Manchester has established the northwest of England as a global leader in biotechnology innovation , boosting job creation , collaboration , investment and upskilling in the region .

The project leverages a £ 5 million investment from the EPSRC ’ s Place- Based Impact Acceleration Account to stimulate innovation and commercial growth . The IBIC will give businesses and start-ups a platform to engage with higher education institutions , governmental organisations and researchers in the north-west , and support translating fundamental biotechnology research from the lab to the real world .

Professor Aline Miller , Professor of Biomolecular Engineering and Associate Dean for Business Engagement and Innovation at The University of Manchester , said : “ Combine academic research with industrial application , and together we can yield transformative outcomes for both our economy and environment .

“ With the launch of the IBIC , we are inviting businesses and startups to join us as we take on global challenges like climate change and sustainability .

To do that , we need to create a vibrant ecosystem of interconnected disciplines to help scale businesses , bring research to life and ultimately deliver huge economic benefits to the north-west and beyond .”

This invitation extends particularly to SMEs , high-growth biotech companies , and other businesses interested in contributing to and benefiting from a thriving biotechnology industry in the north-west .

Companies interested in participating or learning more can contact ibic @ manchester . ac . uk

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