Facebook and mental health - Psychology study sheds light on what could make Facebook use unhealthy

For many of us, the social media platform Facebook is a big part of our lives. However, studies have recently revealed that there is a relationship between Facebook and mental health problems, like low self-esteem. Some studies have revealed more about this connection.

The connection of Facebook and depression is debated. Users may use Facebook to gain a positive self image, or to self-compare, so much so that their Facebook activity may intrude with daily functioning and activities, as well as personal mood.

Research studies are not necessarily pointing fingers at Facebook itself as causing these issues. Instead, studies are making the case that it is our use of Facebook in response to certain challenges in ourselves (like low self-esteem) which determines these negative impacts.

A study published recently in BMC Psychology, in August 2018, investigated adult attachment styles while using Facebook in an adult population of Facebook users. The study investigated users' levels of psychological distress, self-esteem, and insecure attachment styles. These factors were compared with the amount of problematic Facebook they were engaging in.

A common relationship was found between attachment anxiety problems with problematic activities on Facebook. Other factors may also have been involved, such as low self-esteem and distress issues.

Perhaps this can make us wonder whether the tool of Facebook is problematic in itself, or whether it can simply be mis-used by those already experiencing certain psychological anxieties.

The scientists concluded that Facebook users who had many attachment insecurities tended to use Facebook to fulfil unmet attachment needs. This would be particularly the case for those with low self-esteem and experiencers of psychological distress.

You can read more about this published study here.

What are your thoughts on this debatable subject below? Feel free to share with your friends, or comment below.

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