Without question, Facebook has done wonders connecting people with their current and past friends. Most people these days simply need to be logged on to see updates on what friends are doing and where they are now.
But a study from the University of Missouri found that Facebook could offer some downsides as well, namely depression.
For Facebook users, it is a fact that keeping tabs with their friends is one thing. But comparing their current status and list of achievements for the sake of benchmarking their own accomplishments is something that cannot be discounted. And for some instances, this could turn out bad.
Bad in the sense that people who are may have not necessarily attained the same or greater stature of their friends could become a setback or means of getting depressed. Comparison is something that cannot be discounted although it may all depend on the person's priorities and manner of thinking.
The University of Missouri conducted a study by looking at 700 college students and was conducted by Margaret Duffy. The findings were published in the Journal Computers in Human Behavior. The study can be viewed here.
According to Duffy, Facebook can be a positive resource but could result in a negative effect if used to compare one's accomplishments with that of others.
Facebook does offer users that privilege but again, it would depend on the user and how he uses social media. It is a given that many would list down their accomplishments and perhaps sugarcoat it to show off an impressive list of credentials either for admiration or reference.
In all, it all depends on a Facebook user and how he or she has adapted to the application of social media. Some take it lightly while some take it seriously, and between the two, depression is likely to occur for the latter kind of users.
