Note to readers: This weeks column is written by Andrea Eldridge.
While social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn have been shown to increase a users feeling of connectedness with friends, family and their community, a growing body of research highlights the negative effects of social media on our general state of mind. From envy, to anger, to depression, for some users these forums offer more pain than joy. Here are some of the most common social media ailments and what to do if you find yourself being brought down by your social networking.
Facebook is a hugely popular medium for sharing life updates, photos, stories and opinions with a large number of people all at once. This can offer a great opportunity to stay in touch with friends and loved ones. On the other hand, scrolling through an onslaught of updates on your newsfeed can be a harrowing experience. Whether its a family member airing private details, getting drawn into a political argument, or being bombarded with pleas for attention, Facebook can draw you into a pool of drama if you let it.
Envy
Envy on Facebook: A Hidden Threat to Users Life Satisfaction? a study published in early 2013 by researchers at two universities in Berlin, Germany, (http://bit.ly/18loJAN) found that of the 584 Facebook users they interviewed, 36.4 percent reported feeling frustrated and exhausted at least sometimes or more often, and among those respondents, 29.2 percent mentioned envy as a major cause of frustration behind Facebook use. Of those that reported feelings of envy triggered by Facebook encounters, more than half cited Travel and Leisure as the source of the envy.
When you see your cousin Jill post those photos of herself, having an AHHH-Mazing time! in Hawaii, do you feel happy for her? If youre like most people, you probably feel at least a bit envious. Not to mention, less eager about tackling the pile of paperwork that awaits you at the office. Whether its a friends picture of their toned post-workout muscles or your high school buddys post about landing a dream job, being confronted with other peoples successes can make it hard not to compare their coup to your perceived shortfalls.
How do you squelch the green eyed monster? Try to remember that you are seeing the rosy made for TV version of your friends life. They may have similar pangs of jealousy every time you mention the sweet things your spouse does for you, or when facing the photographic evidence of your stellar cupcake baking skills. If you find that you just cant be constantly happy for that friend that may just be fishing for an extra pat on the back a bit too often, consider hiding their posts from your newsfeed so that you can cruise their life updates all at once, when youre in the right frame of mind.
Frustration
Im not inclined to argue about politics, particularly not with someone who believes strongly in the opposing position. Yet it can be exceedingly difficult not to get riled up about an incendiary or slanted post or comment. Theres something about seeing a comment or story that you passionately disagree with that just compels you to say something, even if youd avoid the topic like the plague in face-to-face conversation.
Whether you roll your eyes and keep scrolling, or wade into the fray and post a rebuttal, the mere act of having the argument thrust on your psyche in the middle of your otherwise peaceful lunch break is cause for annoyance.
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