The short answer? Yes, it might, at least anxiety, social isolation and other health issues occur along with increased Facebook use. Average use (whatever that is), isn't associated with the same kind of problems than those who spend
A published study suggests that those who use Facebook are less satisfied with their lives and are not as healthy as those who are more restrained in their use.
The mental health and interactions of over 5000 study participants were tracked over the course of two years. They completed surveys and talked to researchers about their social lives, health and the time they spend on Facebook.
A published study suggests that those who use Facebook are less satisfied with their lives and are not as healthy as those who are more restrained in their use.
The mental health and interactions of over 5000 study participants were tracked over the course of two years. They completed surveys and talked to researchers about their social lives, health and the time they spend on Facebook.
According to the report, Facebook usage was "tightly linked to compromised social, physical and psychological health". For every range beyond average, there was a 5-8% increase in reported mental health issues. Think about that...
Other studies suggested the same correlation. Remember, just because events occur together doesn't mean that one causes another. Several other studies indicated that increased use of social media is associated with more intense feelings of isolation and anxiety as well as a fear of missing out also known as "FOMO".
There are a lot of "human" and situational variables that likely impacted these results and no one can say, responsibly, that Facebook is "good" or "bad" or "healthy" or "unhealthy", but you need to pay attention to your social media behavior and your emotional life.
If you find that life is stressful and you're becoming more and more unhappy, distract yourself with exercise and activities with friends. Make a conscious choice not to make it worse.
If you find that life is stressful and you're becoming more and more unhappy, distract yourself with exercise and activities with friends. Make a conscious choice not to make it worse.
Some questions:
1. Do you find yourself feeling anxious because you haven't been on Facebook in several hours?
2. Do you engage in never-ending political or other "belief"-based arguments with people?
3. Have you lost some of your "real-life" connections, interests and activities because you are substituting them with Facebook?
4. Do you believe that the lives you are seeing on social media are the "truth"?
5. Do you compare yourself to others on Facebook, either positively or negatively?
6. Are you less or more satisfied with your life now that you're a Facebook user?
1. Do you find yourself feeling anxious because you haven't been on Facebook in several hours?
2. Do you engage in never-ending political or other "belief"-based arguments with people?
3. Have you lost some of your "real-life" connections, interests and activities because you are substituting them with Facebook?
4. Do you believe that the lives you are seeing on social media are the "truth"?
5. Do you compare yourself to others on Facebook, either positively or negatively?
6. Are you less or more satisfied with your life now that you're a Facebook user?
Just thoughts and observations to increase the quality of your life.
I did it. I unplugged, more or less, from Facebook and I'm less stressed. I have a professional page, but "blanked" out my personal page. I "unfriended" everyone after explaining the "why" behind my choice.
The primary issues was that the political attacks were so horrendous that I could not watch them anymore. I was so fed up and disappointed by the behavior of adults. Yet another reason I work with kids. Ugh.
I also knew that no one's mind is changed by this kind of exchange. Lots of damage was done, though. People really lost themselves in this election and the conflicts persist. It's not just about elections. I just wasn't seeing enough joy and happiness and celebration to make me wade through the muck to get to it.
Anyway, now, being on Facebook is such a pleasure. I get cute animal videos and recipes. If I want to reach out to friends, I private message them. See? Easy peasy.
Just do the best you can, Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
