About 1,618 students, in the age group of 13 to 18, were followed, under a new study, which has been published in this month's Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. The study revealed that using internet pathologically could develop depression, irrespective of the fact that the individual is free of mental health problems prior to Internet addiction.

The researchers Lawrence T. Lam and Zi-Wen Peng used the Internet Addiction Test to analyze the situation. This test has been created by Kimberly Young, who is a psychologist as well as expert on Internet addiction and online behavior.

The psychologist believed that people who are addicted to either smartphones or computers have two times more chances of falling prey to depression.

The study says, "These results suggest that depression and anxiety may be important factors in the causal pathway of the pathological use of the Internet among adolescents".

The branded online games like Disney's and Hasbro's, which are advertised to children at younger ages, are a cause of concern for the parents. Social networking worlds such as Moshi Monsters are also aimed at children, who are attracted towards its rainbow pets and gardens that grow magic beans.

Though, occasional use of internet is not harmful, but teenagers who don't log-off can fall into the risk-area.