Facebook is a giant of all social networking sites, which has one billion plus monthly users and it is the most used social networking site in India.
It is said that the usage of social networking sites and discussion forums, are reported to have decreased the sense of ‘feeling alone’ for people with mental health problems.
Particularly, the social networking giant –Facebook – is reported to increase a sense of wellbeing/comfort amongst its users. Here the aspects of wellbeing relates to the fact that users were more easily able to form relationships, provide companionship and emotional support, and feel more positive after reading status updates.
Looking back at old Facebook photos evokes positivity and a self-soothing feeling says a study by University of Portsmouth researchers.
On average, each Facebook posts was seen by about an average of 61% of their friends. In addition to this, Facebook statuses are not only the most memorable of current possible social media updates, but that they are more memorable than even the human face. And its also found that the social interaction Facebook facilitates might help maintain and improve cognitive abilities for elderly users.
Few insights from the study:
- The study included 134 Facebook users (of which, 86% of them used the site daily). The study found that 86% of them polled agreed that they look back at Facebook posts on their own Timelines and 75% of them looked through photos posted to their profiles.
- 76% said looking back on old posts improved their moods, while 73% of the Facebook users polled noted that photos that friends posted on their Timelines made them feel happier.
- When researchers asked Facebook users who participated in the study as what they wished they could do on Facebook, 88% said that they wished they had a way to easily access their favorite photos that they’ve posted. While, 86% would like to be able to do the same, but for photos that friends have posted. And, 86% of the participants said they’d like to find their favorite Timeline posts from the past.
On the contrary, we recently reported that Facebook brags first position among other social networking sites to created negative effect and more stress to its users. And more importantly it Facebook friends can make you feel worse when you lose your job.
So, one can only say that every thing has its own drawbacks and merits and everything depends on how we use it.
