Quitting Facebook may make you happier

Facebook has integrated itself into our lives in the last few years, since 2004, a small networking community has evolved into a global phenomenon. But could it make you unhappy?


Recent study shows that quitting Facebook could make you happier


A study on 425 students at Utah Valley State University investigated effects on their lives from spending time on Facebook.

When you scroll through your news feed you can see other peoples lives, and photos of them being happy.

The study suggests that seeing other people happy with their lives makes you feel down about your own because of the false illusion that their lives are perfect.

• When you see photos of people enjoying themselves you reflect on yourself and you realise you're not doing anything fun at that moment in time. 
• This is because of the illusion that others are constantly happy with their lives, whereas yours has ups and downs, so don't believe it!

However


This doesn't apply to some people. In the study, students who have more face-to-face interaction were less affected by this illusion and were less likely to think others have it better off.

So what should we do?

• First, try to put that illusion to one side, it's easy to forget about in the long run but I guess that's one of the disadvantages of Facebook. 
• If you're really down about yourself, give your social skills a think and compare to others, if you are happy where you stand, then great! If not, consider approaching people differently.

I'm not saying you should quit Facebook, as the advantages outweigh disadvantages. Social communication is an important thing, Facebook promotes that, but it does come at a price.