The new study says people who go on Facebook more tend to be more depressed and feel inadequate in their own lives because of a phenomenon called "social comparison" which causes us to compare our lives with our friends' "highlight reels".
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A study by the University of Houston has found that staying up to date on others’ postings on Facebook can cause symptoms of depression and anxiety. Too often, Facebook users compare themselves to those who are posting in their feeds. This comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and those feelings aren’t even based on the complete truth but instead, a “highlight reel” of information posted on the site.
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People tend to present themselves in the best possible light on their Facebook pages. That means that most people looking on are only receiving a portion of the picture. Buying into them too readily can lead to distorted thinking, reports LA Times, June 5.
Researchers found that false perceptions can increasingly intensify the more time you spend on Facebook. In the University of Houston study, subjects spent approximately 30 to 60 minutes each day on Facebook. That’s probably much less time than many Facebook users spend on the site. Lurking has its penalties. Users who measure others’ achievements against their own can experience potentially destructive effects on their mental health. A good indicator that this is happening would be if constantly checking up on people gives way to feelings that are. . .not so good.
It’s not the first time social media has been in the news for its potential to contribute to depression and anxiety. Other studies have pointed to the constant comparison that can happen on social media feeds. Suppose a person has decided to have a quiet night in on a Friday night, for example, and they’ve absent-mindedly made a quick check on their Twitter, Facebook and other social media pages. Pictures and updates about friends’ night on the town keep rolling by and as a result, some measure of guilt and regret might occur, making it impossible to enjoy the decided relaxing night in.
What seems to follow for an increase in happiness is simply to nix social media altogether. However, checking in with what feelings are popping up can be a good aid. "If you find yourself mindlessly lurking, ask yourself how you're feeling. Is it positive or negative? If it's negative, make a goal to use Facebook only in a way that makes you feel good," Margaret E. Duffy, co-author of another study by the University of Missouri advises.
University of Louisville psychiatrists Dr. Robert Caudill and Dr. Kamleh Shaban relate that social media can also have positive effects on mental health. While it’s probably not wise to post every seeming meaningful thought on social media, used in a certain way, social media outlets can not only help mental health but also physical health. It’s all in the way that otherwise scarce support and encouragement can be supplied. “While jogging with a friend provides accountability, an online friend could be just as helpful,” writes WDRB. And for those who might otherwise receive no, or few birthday wishes, Facebook makes it a celebration where a hundred well-wishers post happy wishes on the day. There’s nothing negative about that!
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