Facebook and Depression

I deactivated my Facebook account about two months ago now. I’d had enough of reading about how hung over people were, how much they hate Mondays, how angry they were but “didn’t want to talk about it, ” and watching people constantly uploading pictures of them and their over exaggerated smiles on nights out to convince us (or maybe themselves) that they are happy, fun loving and lead exciting lives. Give me a break.

I also don’t miss the arguments over Facebook. I’m not going to ask how many of you in a relationship have argued because of Facebook, but rather how many arguments have you had? My guess would be over 80% of all your lovers tiffs nowadays are the result of Social Networking.

“Who is that girl commenting on your EXTRA LINKS REMOVED?”

“Why is he liking all your pictures?”

Sound familiar?

My biggest issue with Facebook – and the primary reason why I deactivated – is the risk of depression it can cause. I’m not saying it’s going to become a pandemic, but with so many socialites on there taking every opportunity to show off, only posting the best bits of their lives (which arguably they should) it can lead to a feeling of inferiority, insecurities and jealousy in those who aren’t doing as much with themselves.

The problem is that a lot of people will only post their “best bits, ” so to speak. They’re not going to air their dirty laundry out but will showcase each and every time they’re doing something they feel is worth sharing. So is this a EXTRA LINKS REMOVED representation of their lives? Probably not, everybody has their insecurities and doubts within. But for someone who has lower self-esteem, they won’t recognise that fact. Their fears and insecurities will instead be amplified by having other peoples lives thrown in their face.

To get a bit technical, a person will associate particular events, i.e. seeing people leading good lives on Facebook, with negative thoughts, i.e. feeling left out. This will become the norm process, so every time someone see’s a picture or status about an event that they didn’t attend, their thought process will lead them to feel left out, rejected and inferior to others. If you’re a smart ass, then you’ll know this is the area of Cognitive Psychology.

Cyber bullying is also a massive, massive area of concern and Facebook is the biggest platform for it. Poor kids, back when I was in school if you were bullied you’d get it between school times and at least then you could go home and relax. Today it is a non-stop 24/7 wave of abuse that doesn’t give children a chance to breath. What makes it worse is Facebook means more and more people can see the taunts and abuse, and ultimately join in. It’s difficult to police and control, especially if the victim doesn’t speak out – which they almost never do in cases of bullying.

This is not all to say Facebook isn’t without its quality points. For people who emigrate it’s an essential way to keep in touch with family back home, others reunite with long lost relatives and friends, and others even EXTRA LINKS REMOVED. It’s not got 900 million users for nothing.

But I fear for the long term. For all the heart warming stories Facebook creates, think of all the damage it does. Cyber bullying, broken relationships and “Facebook depression, ” are all outcomes from social networking. “On Facebook…” is becoming a more and more common phrase to the police, teachers and therapists.

After all, the world was full of heart-warming stories long before social networking arrived, but there wasn’t cyber-bullying. Arguments between couples were actually relevant to real life behaviour. And people’s insecurities weren’t intensified by artificial causes such as a photo album of someone’s happiest moments only.

Like I said I removed my account about two months ago and I feel liberated for it. I’ve remembered how to phone, text and visit people again because now I HAVE to in order to keep in touch. Facebook created the illusion that you see people all the time thanks to their status updates and pictures, which ultimately led to a lot of lost time.

Plus I love not having to read about what people are having for dinner every night.