The effects of social networks on mental illnesses

A matter of contention prevalent within the media, several studies have shown that social networking – Facebook in particular – can have detrimental effects on our wellbeing. Researchers from the University of Michigan assessed Facebook usage over a fortnight and found that the more people that used it, the more negativity they experienced concerning their day-to-day activities; as well as over time, incurring higher levels of dissatisfaction with their life overall.

Meanwhile, a blog published on Everyday Mindfulness uncovered a fascinating concept known as the ‘discrepancy monitor’; “a process that continually monitors and evaluates our self and our current situation against a gold standard.”

In a nutshell, we evaluate our own experiences against what we believe our experiences should be. But when comparing our own circumstances against that of Facebook, we become our own worst enemy – as the digital persona portrayed on this social network only highlights the ‘best bits’ from our short Facebook timeline, in stark contrast to our entire life’s work.

Need any more proof on just how damaging social media can be? Look to DoSomething.org, America’s largest not-for-profit for the younger generation and social change. Its 9 Ways Technology Affects Mental Health article brings to light several afflictions social media has on mental health, including depression, isolation, insecurity and more recently, FOMO, also known as “Fear Of Missing Out.”

【研究：社交网络有害身心健康】相关文章：

★ 研究发现：互联网普及与处方药滥用呈正相关

★ 英社交网络现代沟 年轻人好友以千计

★ 研究：又高又瘦的女性更长寿

★ 中餐亦‘咸’亦‘健康’

★ 囧研究：憋尿助你做出更佳抉择

★ 研究发现，临终关怀在美国和加拿大各不相同

★ 父亲留给我的最后的话

★ 带孩子的父亲更健康,更快乐

★ 心理学上，人为何会有色彩偏好

★ 研究：“运动带来的快乐大于加薪”，你同意吗？