The Cyber Villain: Facebook can cause depression
It’s no secret that we are vulnerable to comparing ourselves with others – especially through social media. But depending on how you use it, Facebook could essentially be toxic.
There’s no fault in keeping touch with old friends and being up-to-date with what’s going on in your social circle. But the real harm lies in comparing ourselves to people on our Facebook friend list.
A study published in the journal Computers in Human Behaviour surveyed 700 students who were regular Facebook users that proves Facebook makes us sad – hardly a surprise. Co-authored by Professor Margaret Duffy from the University of Missouri-Columbia, the study found that those who have an account to stay connected with friends do not suffer detrimental effects but those who ‘spy’ or cyber-stalk friends are prone to feelings of depression.
“We found that if Facebook users experience envy of the activities and lifestyles of their friends on Facebook, they are much more likely to report feelings of depression,” she explained. “Facebook can be a very positive resource for many people, but if it is used as a way to size up one’s own accomplishments against others, it can have a negative effect. It is important for Facebook users to be aware of these risks so they can avoid this kind of behavior when using Facebook.”
In other words, the study prompts Facebook users to be mindful of how they use the site. Next time you are feeling down after wishing you had X’s beautiful looks, or dreaming you were living Y’s life, or traveling like Z, close that tab and open Marie France Asia instead (insert wink emoticon).
Natasha Gan
