Do you use Facebook? It means you are also influenced by it. Below you will find 7 facts about how social networking affects your behavior.
1. You cannot but check your page
What if you have an incoming message? An interesting note on the wall, which you urgently need to like? A new photo? In fact, you do not think so. You just check the page because you cannot help checking it.
80% of the surveyed users of social networks admitted that they could not fail to check that website at least once a day. A third of the respondents were engaged in this act with painful regularity and were horrified at the thought that something could happen to their account. Psychological addiction to social networks is no less strong than that of a cigarette smoker. It is even called Facebook Addiction Disorder.
2. Social networking makes you jealous
Even when there is no reason to feel jealous. According to a survey, most people do not hesitate to survey their partner’s account in social networks. Especially because it’s so easy and convenient to do. A couple of clicks – and the network will give you a list of all potential rivals/opponents: everyone who clicked Likes, all the friends and potential friends. You can have a fascinating investigation!
Stop. Are you sure that you are not looking for something unreal? 35% of the respondents admitted their jealousy was caused by social networks and ultimately proved to be groundless. And here’s the sad news: Facebook has caused 1 out of 5 divorces in the U.S. and one of 3 divorces in the UK. It is an absolutely frightening outcome.
3. Social networks help you in your work
Since most employers block access to social networks from office computers, employees will not get distracted from their work, but psychologists recommend against doing it. The people who use Facebook or Twitter at work are 9% more productive than others. Short breaks give their brain an opportunity to distract and relax. But only short breaks!
4. Social networks can make you miserable…
Most people use social networks to talk about the positive aspects of their lives. For example, upload pictures from a vacation, boast buying some things, share a funny video about a cat etc. But if your life is not successful at the moment, social networks will instantly turn into your enemy. Jealousy, sadness, inability to complain about problems because of fear of condemnation – all these feelings only exacerbate the depressed mood and can lead you to depression. Studies have shown that long-term overreliance on social networks makes you an envious whiner; even if these qualities are not inherent to your nature.
5. They can also make you… happy!
You can brag about your new hairstyle, a new car, a new girlfriend/boyfriend. You can talk about your personal victories and achievements – and receive approval! Finally, you can giggle over the funny comics that someone has posted on the wall and lift your mood. All this increases your self-esteem and positive life attitude. Just be careful! Do not use social networking when you are frustrated and angry, it is like a magnifying glass that will improve your good mood and worsen your bad mood.
6. You lose friends
This fact is a combination of the preceding ones. Envy, irritation, high expectations, jealousy – social networks give us too many opportunities to show the worst qualities of our nature. You expect likes and acclaim, but you are ignored… You have written something really important to your friend, and he/she did not bother to answer. It’s a shame!
You should not expect the social network to fully replace real communication. Does anything bother you? Schedule a meeting in a cafe and talk about it. You will surely be listened to and possibly supported. At least, it is likely to get maximum attention from the other person. You will have much more support than if you distract your friend from school or work via networking and suddenly decide to speak your mind.
7. Social networks make you feel thick or in bad shape
75% of Facebook users are dissatisfied with their appearance. Of these, 51% refer to other photos as the reason for this comparison and disappointment.
