Facebook Over Usage Develops Psychological Disorders in Teens – Study

Facebook social network is developing antisocial behavior, narcissism and a slew of other character flaws in teens, a study reveals. Overdosing on Facebook may lead to the development of such psychological disorders in teens, according to a recent study conducted by Dr. Larry Rosen, a professor of psychology at California State University.

In a presentation entitled “Poke Me: How Social Networks Can Both Help and Harm Our Kids” at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association, Rosen presented his findings based on a number of computer-based surveys distributed to 1,000 urban adolescents and his 15-minute observations of 300 teens in the act of studying.

[advt]Some of the negative side effects of Facebook use for teens that Rosen cited included:

• Development of narcissism in teens who often use Facebook
• Presence of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviors, mania and aggressive tendencies, in teens who have a strong Facebook presence
• Increased absence from school and likelihood of developing stomach aches, sleeping problems, anxiety and depression, in teens who “overdose” in technology on a daily basis, including Facebook and video games
• Lower grades for middle school, high school and college students who checked Facebook at least once during a 15-minute study period
• Lower reading retention rates for students who most frequently had Facebook open on their computers during the 15-minute study period

Not all findings were negative, however — one of the more interesting points from Rosen’s research was the development of “virtual empathy.” Empathy is an in-person activity, where hugs, facial expressions and kind words help improve a loved one’s mood.

Rosen says that teens are developing the ability to show virtual empathy for distressed Facebook friends and that the empathy is actually well-received by friends, positively influencing their mood. This virtual empathy, he says, can even spill over into the real world, teaching teens how to empathize with others in everyday life.