Social networks are designed for connecting people with one another. Over the past five years, these social networking sites have increased to where they involve tens of millions of Internet users. But social networks also have a downside as they can lead to feelings of isolation and depression.
Popular Social Networks
Social networks are online sites where users create profiles and connect with other users. Some of the most popular social networks include Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Myspace.
Facebook was created in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg. Users have “walls” where they post comments, photos, videos or whatever is on their minds. They can also chat with other online users in real time, besides receive private messages.
Twitter is a social network that connects users by sending “tweets”, which are short messages. Tweets are given in real-time and users can follow conversations and acquire “followers”, as well as follow other users. Celebrities, politicians and other public figures use Twitter to connect with their fans in real time. It’s also used to connect businesses to customers.
LinkedIn, founded in 2002, is a business-oriented social network used for professional networking. The site links business people with one another and notifies users of accomplishments and news. For example, when an author publishes a new book, he sends out a notification to his users that are linked with him. When someone is linked with a new user, the other users are notified.
Myspace, one of the older social networks, is similar to Facebook and involves users posting comments, photos and videos. However, Myspace revolves more around music and entertainment, whereas Facebook is based more on information.
Causes of Depression from Social Networks
There are several factors that can lead to users becoming depressed.
Having too many or too few Facebook friends can cause depression. Not having enough social networking friends can make users feel unpopular if they only have a handful, while others have hundreds of friends. Besides having a lack of friends, too many people, who aren't really friends on your friend list can create negative feelings. Let’s face it. Often it’s curiosity that leads people to search for long-lost “friends” to include as Facebook friends. You probably were never that close to many of the people that you requested as social network friends.
Curiosity is what often leads social networkers to include many people as networking friends. You wonder what ever happened to an old classmate you haven’t seen for as long three or four decades. Usually, they’ll accept your invitation and confirm you as a “friend”, but then there’s not much interaction after your new friends join your friend list. This can cause feelings of rejection and loneliness, feeling you’re not important.
Feeling ignored when posting comments on social networks can cause someone to feel rejected. If you are going to post something on your wall, another user's wall or comment on a friend’s status, then don’t expect others will always acknowledge your postings or comments. Just do it without any expectations.
Comparing responses can be depressing. For example, suppose you see family members wish another family member a “happy birthday.” Then, it’s your birthday and some of those same family members fail to acknowledge your special day. This could be for several reasons. People are busy and may not even notice it’s your birthday. On the other hand, you weren’t that close to them in the first place, so do don’t worry about it or you can be depressed and feel unloved.
Social Networks and Teens
Although adults and even seniors are also involved in social networking, young people and especially teens are the most frequent users. American young people, ranging from ages 12 through 17, make up roughly 55 percent of the social network population, according to a recent survey conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project, as noted in their January 7, 2007 article, "Social Networking Websites and Teens," by Amanda Lenhart and Mary Madden
Teens overly involved in social networking can cause them to have emotional stress. In addition to worrying that they don’t have as many friends as other teens, they can read about parties and other get-togethers on Facebook where they were not included. Jealously can arise when teenagers read about awards given to other kids, as they felt they worked just as hard to get recognition.
Cyberbullying is using the internet for degrading other users in a destructive way. This practice among teens may lead to depression and is a growing concern with some kids even being hurt or committing suicide. Parents should carefully modify and monitor their kids’ online activities so their teens aren’t victims of cyberfullying.
Finally, realize that social networks can be a positive experience, so don’t be too quick to “throw out the baby with the bathwater.” Just use balance in your online socializing. Limit your activities online and pull away from your technical gizmos, being sure to enrich those face-to-face friendships.
Resources:
Pew Research Center Center: Social Networking Websites and Teens (date accessed 7-13-2011).
Venice Kichura - Venice Kichura is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of subjects. She holds a special passion for topics relating to art and ...
