The Draining side of Social Media

Social networking can sometimes result in negative outcomes, some with long-term consequences. Last time we reported about the scientific research about Facebook envy and its unnecessary and too much information. Now let us tackle its gruelling side. 

Many social networking sites regularly make changes, and eventually the changes of privacy settings as well. Tagging can also serve as an invasion of privacy. When social networking sites have a "tagging" option (except you disable it), friends or acquaintances may be able to tag you in posts or photographs that reveal sensitive input. And once you are "tagged" it is somehow difficult for you to remove the "tag" simply because of guilt to ones friend who "tagged" you. What if you don't like the "tagged"? It would be draining.

On the other hand, researchers have established a direct link between the number of friends you have on Facebook and the degree to which you are a "socially disruptive" excessive love or admiration of oneself. People who score highly on the Excessive love or Admiration of oneself Personality (narcissist) had more friends [or followers] on Facebook, tagged themselves more often and updated their newsfeeds more regularly.

The research comes amid increasing evidence that young people are becoming increasingly overly self-involved, and obsessed with self-image and shallow friendships. A number of previous studies have linked this with Facebook use.

According to the research at Western Illinois University includes 'self-absorption, vanity, superiority, and exhibitionistic tendencies and people who score high on this aspect of narcissism need to be constantly at the centre of attention. They often say shocking things and inappropriately self-disclose because they cannot stand to be ignored or waste a chance of self-promotion.' it also includes 'a sense of deserving respect and a willingness to manipulate and take advantage of others'.

The research revealed that the higher someone scored on aspects on this matter, the greater the number of friends [or followers] they had on Facebook.

Another research published that as time spent on Facebook increased, so did feelings of jealous. Accordingly, 'Facebook is actually psychologically addicting and the more time you spend on it, the more jealous you are likely to become about certain situations at the site's photo, status, or wall post.'

In other words, It is as if the best tools to communicate are also the best tools to down oneself.

Image: via google.images