The feeling is just the same with everyone: we check into Facebook to see what our friends are doing, only to feel a pang of envy at someone’s success, another person’s happy relationship or our former classmate’s admission into a higher institution.
But this seemingly harmless habit doesn’t just make us grumpy at that moment: it could be damaging our health.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have found that the social network can lead to depression, especially amongst those who use Facebook to size other people’s lives up against their own
Their study of 700 students found that the website can be ‘a very positive resource’ if it is used as a way of chatting to friends, but that it can become seriously troubling if used in ‘surveillance’ mode.
‘If it is used as a way to size up one’s own accomplishments against others, it can have a negative effect,’ said Professor Margaret Duffy, one of the professors who co-authored the research.
‘If Facebook is used to see how well an acquaintance is doing financially or how happy an old friend is in his relationship – things that cause envy among users – use of the site can lead to feelings of depression.
‘It is important for Facebook users to be aware of these risks so they can avoid this kind of behaviour when using Facebook.’
Now you know… especially the fact that you do not need the Facebook likes to feel like you’re liked!
