We all know how addictive Facebook can be, it’s the first site everyone visits when opening your computer up. Everyone wants to see that little red number indicating a new notification or a new friend request, it’s an instant ego booster. But is that really a good thing? Do some of us rely on Facebook for instant gratification of ourselves? Is Facebook doing more harm than good? A recent study from Stanford University looked into how Facebook causes us to underestimate other people’s sadness and overestimate their happiness, which makes us feel badly about ourselves. Check out a few ways that it could be hurting your self esteem.
1. The Gloating Friend who updates her status constantly.
We all use Facebook to give ourselves the recognition we all think we deserve. When we get that A in that ridiculously hard class that everyone has failed before, or we make the Editor of the school paper, it’s always a thought to update our status for everyone to see. But when you see other people’s statuses constantly being updated on your feed.. “Boyfriend just bought me roses”, “Just got a brand new Lexus, can’t wait to cruise!”.. it’s hard to not let that affect you. There are some friends that do this more regularly then usual, constantly rubbing in people’s faces how amazing their life is, but you have to just remind yourself constantly that more times out of not that person isn’t happy. Nobody’s life is perfect, but Facebook can allow you to think that it exists.
(“Hey everybody, come see how good I look.”)
2. When you stalk yourself more than others.
Now we all like to look at our tagged pictures of ourselves from time to time but that’s not always a good thing. We’re all our biggest critics and sometimes you can put yourself down in your own head and not realize your even doing so! It’s tough to see a bad picture but just know there’s an easy way to de tag, but don’t get too critical. Not everyone is photogenic, so keep a positive outlook on it all!
(YES! He accepted my friend request!)
3. Don’t compare!
It’s so hard when you pass by a person’s Facebook that is drop dead gorgeous to not let that get to you. But you can’t compare yourselves to others because everyone is unique in their own way and others probably do the same thing on your page! Also remember everyone has the power to edit their photos, don’t be fooled by the tan flawless skin.
Remember when logging on, to keep your confidence in check, and use it for the reasons your supposed to like connecting with that friend from home while your away at school or saying hi to your cousin who is abroad in Spain. Keep yourself in line and remember to be happy for your own successes!
3 Real Life Make you want to Vomit Status Updates
“I really think tonight wins the award for most amount of plans and it’s only 2:31pm”
“So nice out today … I’m about to just skip class and sun bath by the pool ”
“I live up to the hype”