Facebook is supposed to be a platform for engaging with your loved ones and socializing with friends -- a fun thing which can help boost social life. However, numerous researchers link Facebook to depression. Here's how you can avoid Facebook depression according to a study.
With at least 1.79 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platform in the world. In 2011, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defined the existence of Facebook depression. It was identified as the depression, common in teens, which is developed due to spending too much time in social media sites such as Facebook.
Facebook has since been linked to various mental health problems. Previously, a research also suggests that Facebook causes depression because of social comparison. In a study published in the journal, Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, researchers detailed the factors of Facebook depression.
The frequency, quality, and type of social networking interactions plays a big role in Facebook depression. The researchers added that gender and personality are also important key factors. Women and people with personality disorders are more susceptible to depression due to social networking sites.
With this, the study suggests five tips to avoid Facebook depression. First is to stop obsessing over a virtual identity different from one's self and stop being overconscious of the perception of others. Envying other peoples' lives is also a no.
It added that accepting former lovers to be Facebook friends might lead to depression. It also suggests to refrain from too much unwarranted status updates or excessive interacting and finally, to stop negatively comparing self to others.
However, using Facebook might also have positive effects. The researchers pointed out that using social networking sites to enhance social support is helpful for mental health. "The findings suggest that for some people online social networking may be associated with increased symptoms of depression while for others the activity may be beneficial," the researchers said cited Medical News Today.
