According to popular views, spending more time socializing online instead of through face-to-face interactions may be hurting us as it leads to addiction, eating disorders, low self esteem etc. However, a new study is suggesting that Social Media like Facebook and Twitter might actually be helping us, contrary to most publicized notions. Really, it has indeed become a sort of recreation sitting in front of our computer screens, mobile phones or tablets everyday – chatting, sharing thoughts and photographs with friends and family members.
Now, according to a research published by Huffington Post, UK., social media may have another beneficial effect on us – maintenance of a good mental health! Sharing problems with others behind the computer screen may actually be more beneficial as people are able to open up and discuss their personal issues than if they have to engage in a face-to-face interaction, which may make them hold back in going all out in expressing themselves due to shame and stigma.
People also tend to get the feeling that they are not the only one suffering and going through a particular problem when they communicate with others in the social media world facing the same problem. This in return brings a therapeutic effect on most people experiencing low moments and feelings of depression.
However, the study claims that in order to enjoy the positive benefits of using such Social Media outlets, you need to interact with others and not just scroll through the pages. The researchers also found that the lives many people live on Facebook may actually be a lot happier than their personal lives.
