Facebook has changed the way we communicate and relate to each other. It has allowed us to broaden our horizons, keep in touch with friends and increase our sense of connectedness with our peer groups. However there is a problem. A recent study by Humboldt University has shown that Facebook could be causing us unhappiness and envy on an unprecedented scale. The overexposure to social information bring with it a constant opportunity to compare lifestyles. This apparently gives rise to much jealousy, irritation and loneliness. Such intense feelings of displeasure are detrimental to our mental health. During this episode Rhodders and Nicola (freelance illustrator and Facebook addict!) discuss the validity of the study, how and why people use Facebook and whether Facebook is to blame for our happiness. Please post your thoughts below or email radio AT rhodders.com
References
“Envy on Facebook: A Hidden Threat to Users’ Life Satisfaction?” By Hanna Krasnova,Helena Wenninger, Thomas Widjaja, Peter Buxmann
“Facebook causes envy ‘on an unprecedented scale'” The Telegraph Jan 23rd 2013 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/facebook/9820910/Facebook-causes-envy-on-an-unprecedented-scale.html