Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Facebook and Self Esteem


Facebook is often maligned for being a threat to personal privacy, a drain on productivity or, unless you’re careful, a roadblock to college admissions. It’s not very often we hear about the positive effects of Mark Zuckerberg’s social network. But a new study finds that Facebook can affect us for the better in one important way: how we feel about ourselves.
Researchers at Cornell University have found that a well-groomed Facebook profiles can act as a sort of mirror where users only see themselves as “the fairest of them all,” which, of course, results in a boost to self-esteem.
For the study, Cornell researchers placed 63 students in front of computers in the university's Social Media Lab. Some of those computers displayed the participants Facebook profiles, some were turned off and some had a (real) mirror propped in front of them. Those that had the Facebook page were only allowed to look at their profile and its associated content.
After three minutes, the students were given a questionnaire to measure how their experiences affected their self-esteem. The control group and those with the mirrors showed no rise in self-esteem. However, those who had computers displaying their Facebook profiles reported a rise in self-esteem. Students who went ahead and edited their profiles reported the highest boost in self-esteem.
“Unlike a mirror, which reminds us of who we really are and may have a negative effect on self-esteem if that image does match with our ideal, Facebook can show a positive version of ourselves,” said Jeffrey Hancock, associate professor of communication at Cornell University, in a press release. “We’re not saying that it’s a deceptive version of self, but it’s a positive one.”
Whether it be flattering photos or a sense of belonging, researchers aren’t sure exactly what it is about Facebook that brings about the good feelings, but say they will continue examining the different aspects of Facebook in hopes of discovering where the secret to self-esteem lies.

32 comments:

  1. I definitely agree with the self esteem thing. I also think attention getting is another part of it. I mean, why on earth would you post a status of something like "something great just happened!!" for any other reason than to try to get people to pay attention to you? Thats the part of Facebook that bugs me the most.

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  2. I've never really seen the negative side of Facebook, but I have seen it put a drain on people's self-esteem, as their expectations and reality do not meet.

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  3. what a douche. look at that pic.

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  4. I like your blog dude....keep going

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  5. And here I thought that facebook was only for losers! lol

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  6. i have seen some people get ripped up in FB. :(

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  7. still kicking facebook refuse to get twitter

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  8. i dont like facebook but its now a part of my life XD.

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  9. FB makes you feel like you're someone...the whole goal is to see how many likes or comments you can get

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  10. Don't know why ppl always bad mouth FB. It's great to keep track of friends who move away. You wants to write god knows how many emails to everyone left back home to tell them what you are up to?

    Just keep a facebook and everyone who wants to check up on you, can. It's even less obnoxious than bombing someone with emails.

    AND I made it a personal point to only add ppl I really know and not just someone I met or similar. I'd use twitter for that. I don't care who follows me there. I'm not using my real name for twitter. But for FB, I'd like to keep a closer circle of people I share more detailed information about me and others.

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  11. I agree with Alexander. I'll be honest, some times this is how I feel

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  12. I think there is more detrimental factors to facebook than anything positive really. I'm actually working on my final draft for a blog about that. Good find though.

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  13. I agree with Andy. Also I find it rather funny when teens post pictures of themselves being stupid on Facebook and then QQ when their parents bust them. I really think that it could be used for good...but also bad..

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  14. I'm glad this is being studied. I find that Facebook appeals to people with big egos. I totally fit that bill. The other positive effect of FB is the networking with old family and friends that would never have happened for me without it.

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  15. i dont like facebook at all anyway

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  16. Same as Jack up there. Facebook sucks. I'm using it only for Zynga games. :)

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  17. Seems like an interesting study, would like to see a follow up :D

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  18. wow, this is actually very interesting

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  19. Facebook's really becoming quite the topic of discussion lately. Its got a lot of control in life today

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  20. Interesting study I must say. Guess the results sort of make sense. We put what we want people to perceive of us on our Facebook pages so inherently we should have our best qualities online. No one goes around editing their profile with their worst attributes.

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  21. Somedays I don't leave my house, I just sit in front of the computer all day. I can do that without feeling bad because I'm on facebook all day "socializing"

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  22. Interesting. Anyway I don't need facebook for slef esteem. Following.

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  23. I actually still don't have a facebook, because of all the privacy concerns, but also because I don't have so many friends I need an electronic aid to keep track of them =)

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  24. Now FB just opened up an online store. First they take over social media, second they take over online businesses.

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  25. Interesting article, but I'm with ScottD, Mark is a gigantic douche.

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  26. I think it's dangerous having people on Facebook trying to convince themselves and others that everything is good and people "liking" it - These people need real social interaction.

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  27. facebook, i haent even got it?

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  28. I got one but I don't let it affect my mental attitude that is stupid. I will be switching to google+, don't know if it better but I like google.

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