University of Michigan study finds Facebook can make users sad
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A University of Michigan study found that frequent Facebook use can not only help people feel connected, it can cause them to feel sad.
Facebook use can make people feel sad, researchers found.
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U-M researchers surveyed the feelings of 82 young adults with smartphones and Facebook accounts —asking them whether they were worried or lonely and about their interactions— and found that the more participants checked Facebook the worse they felt afterward.
The study took place over a two-week period with researchers regularly checking in with participants and asking them to complete a simple text message survey on their feelings.
The authors also asked people to rate their level of life satisfaction at the start and end of the study. They found that the more participants used Facebook over the two-week study period, the more their life satisfaction levels declined over time.
"On the surface, Facebook provides an invaluable resource for fulfilling the basic human need for social connection," said U-M social psychologist Ethan Kross, lead author of the article and a faculty associate at the U-M Institute for Social Research, in a release. "But rather than enhance well-being, we found that Facebook use predicts the opposite result — it undermines it."
Researchers found that, over time, phone conversations and face-to-face interactions positively affected participant's feelings.
They also found that participants were not more likely to use Facebook when they felt bad, although they were more likely to use it when they were lonely. However, researchers believe that Facebook and loneliness independently affected a participant's mood.
"It was not the case that Facebook use served as a proxy for feeling bad or lonely," Kross said.
Other studies have found similar results. A Stanford University study published in 2011 found young adult users often had negative feelings after using Facebook and comparing themselves to their peers.
- Read the scholarly article on the study in the PLOS ONE academic journal online.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
UloveM
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
The conclusion can also be explained as the lonely and depressed people using the face book to kill the time, these unhappy people may show on the face book how happy they are to cover up their sadness life. But any way, the sample number (82 participates ) is way too small for the study.
Greg
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:04 p.m.
Seems some people are desperate to find ways to spend money. Sorry, but could think of a hundred better ways to spend the same money and time. Would be nice if someone somewhere was teaching that getting the "most bang for the effort/buck" was worthwhile, but as long as priority is something to post about, this is what you get.
751
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:32 p.m.
I use social media to plan events to be social without the media. Inquiring about social plans with a group of friends is much easier to do via this outlet than making a bunch of phone calls or sending numerous texts.
Goober
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
Pitiful!
thecompound
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1 p.m.
This study is flawed because most young people don't use Facebook anymore since the "old people" took it over.
Lnet
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
Could be the way you personally embrace your day. Recently on my birthday I opened fb and had messages from my friends all over the world. It was simply elating. Without the international connection this would not have been possible. I also have used fb to keep people updated about some of my health challenges and My circles of Friends have supported me, I read their comments and when I need to I re-read them. As I continue to be challenged, I have support at my fingertips any time of the day or night. Sadness might relate to the students situation, economics, choice of friends or any other myriad of reasons.
thecompound
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:03 p.m.
It sounds like you put Facebook to good use, I think it's great when it can be used this way, especially connecting with people it would otherwise be impossible. Good luck with your health issues.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:56 a.m.
I think there might be some confusion about the approach of the study. It's not meant to be exhaustive. It's meant to be a beginning to a much larger framework of research. Folks who are critical of the study's methodology or expanse might find useful info in the "Future research", "Caveats" and "Concluding Comments" sections of the paper... "First, do these findings generalize? We concentrated on young adults in this study because they represent a core Facebook user demographic. However, examining whether these findings generalize to additional age groups is important." .... "...current findings demonstrate that interacting with Facebook may predict the opposite result for young adults—it may undermine it". Key word being *may*. We need more research.
SonnyDog09
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
I always laugh at "research" that includes the following in a final paragraph: Further research is necessary.
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 9:43 p.m.
Of course, that must be it, right? People just "don't understand how science works." How silly of me.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
I don't think you understand how science works. Research brings about data, often, pointing to the need for more research. We've gained some data with this study. Now, we can do more research to gain more data.
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:23 a.m.
What you are saying here is they point out the shortcomings and limitations of the "study" in their caveats and advise us that their results are not useful for much of anything and nothing they "discovered" is conclusive. So what exactly was the point again?
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:55 a.m.
This is the kind of work people do when they can't think of anything worthwhile to do (or they don't have the academic chops to come up with anything else) and they have to do something to justify their existences and research budgets.
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:43 a.m.
Jamie Magiera, because it's a complete waste of time and money, that's why. The nature of human interaction and the need for human contact has been well established for, like, decades now. Do you really think it necessary to conduct study after study to learn what everyone with half a brain already knows, and what God knows how much previous research has already established, which is that humans need human contact to be happy? It's ridiculous. Anyone who spends lots of time comparing themselves to others will be unhappy, whether they use Facebook to do it or Cosmo magazine or Field and Stream. Anyone who looks to electronic "socialization" for validation is going to be unhappy. Those who already have a life and use Facebook as nothing more than a tool to see pictures and stay in touch with friends and loved ones , etc. are a different story. Can we now move on to something important, something of actual value to society, like feeding kids or curing cancer or something?
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 11:21 p.m.
thecompound, using social media is not the same thing as understanding its implications. That's erroneous. Vaguely saying "I do research" doesn't give you any cred (neither does your comment about self-esteem). Suffice to say, you're not hip to what's happening here.
thecompound
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
JM, I don't know who the "you" (or should I say u?) are referring to, but don't worry about me, no bubble here. While I may criticize social media, I use it all. I don't need to read anyone's fascinating work on it--unless it's in condensed Vine form, lol. I also am involved in research and I can read between the lines on this one. I'm sure there have been studies on self-esteem and comment sections too, so if you need to keep suggesting studies, be my guest ;)
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.
Let me provide a specific example: In the past decade, written English language has dramatically changed because of social media. Due to the immediacy and the physical limitations of these services (e.g. texting, Twitter's character limit, etc.), the way in which people communicate has dramatically changed. Even in the comments on these AnnArbor.com articles, we see that influence. That changing of communication influences a larger change in thinking and interaction. It's very significant and it's very worthy of research. May I suggest you read some Marshall McLuhan to better understand the value of technology and media research.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Social media isn't significant just because of the number of people that use it. It's significant because of the effect it has on people and communication in general. It's significant because its technology. Perhaps you live in a bubble where these things haven't had an effect on you. To the rest of the world, it's created a significant change in the way that people communicate and interact.
thecompound
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 12:57 p.m.
People get sad because they see they weren't invited or included in something, tale as old as time. Probably brings back bad childhood memories of not getting invited to a birthday party or something, lol. Sorry, gotta agree with solitude, doesn't look good if the grant money isn't used up.
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:12 a.m.
I think you'll find that the results of studies already done on the effects of TV and radio apply to Facebook, also: too much is bad, using anything as a substitution for human interaction is bad, endless quests for external validation are bad. The point is that it's redundant. TV and radio were just as "revolutionary," if not more so, in their times as Facebook is now. Calling social media "one of the most significant things" of the century doesn't make it so. The number of people using it does not in any way indicate its "significance" in the big picture. Millions of people enjoy lots of things, it doesn't make those things "significant" in the broader sense.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:13 a.m.
I should add that, using your logic, studies of the effects of radio and television on people are also a waste of time - which would likewise be hilariously ill-informed.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:05 a.m.
I disagree that it's a waste. First, the "need for human contact" is not the point of this study. Social Media is one of the most significant things to come up in this century. It affects how, particularly younger people who are immersed in it, view themselves, view others and generally interact with the world. *Every* technology should have studies about how it influences our interactions and decisions. There is a lot of fine grained detail to be parsed out. For example, how does the embedded targeted advertising affect users? (in particular, in youngsters) Also, social media isn't just a tool for connecting with friends and loved ones. Social Media has been used in a lot of other capacities - all of which should be studied. Lastly, you're making a false premise that this research somehow negates research on cancer or feeding kids. There is plenty of that going on as well.
David Frye
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:46 a.m.
The only problem with this study that I see is that it is billed (in the headline here but more seriously in the intro to the study itself) as covering the reactions of "people" to Facebook use, when it actually looks only at young people in Ann Arbor. The sample population is aged 17 to 22; so we can assume they are mainly college students, and maybe a couple of high school seniors. I'm sure the sample is representative of something and the findings are important for some group, but as many commenters here indicate, different people--and, probably, different age groups (etc.?)--use Facebook differently. I use it to chat with my brother and check in on my nieces and nephew and a handful of scattered friends. Somehow that never makes me sad.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 10:44 p.m.
djacks24, I've been an educational technologist for 20 years and (technology) radio show host for 15 years. How technology affects our lives is like... my job. Why don't you think there should be research into the effects of social media on people's lives? It's one of the most prominent components of the 21rst century. Just out of curiosity, and I honestly don't mean this with negativity, around what age are you? I'm surprised at the negative comments on social media research - in particular, those that say it's not useful. I'm wondering if there is a particular demographic that is perhaps not as in touch with how much these things are affecting our lives, our society.
frankweir
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:56 p.m.
I agree Linda Peck. Maybe the problem isnt Facebook but the tendency in our society to constantly compete with each other and compare ourselves to others. Facebook just provides a way for people to compare and compete. It doesnt make them do so, no? i'm also older when comparing and competing is less prevalent but younger people are in the thick of it. This is a societal characteristic that has nothing to do with Facebook.
Linda Peck
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:10 a.m.
I like your viewpoint, too, Frankweir. I can see your point. I enjoy contrast and compare and anything in between, in a friendly welcoming way. There is no problem for me, but yes, young people are "in the thick of it," and that is very observant.
KateT
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 10:02 p.m.
I'm kind of quirky and weird, and I don't need to compare myself on Facebook to know that. And, Frank, you write kind, funny and encouraging comments on Facebook. Thank you!
Linda Peck
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:13 p.m.
What a silly study. For one thing, judging people's reactions to FB on 89 students' reactions is obviously inadequate. For example, older people like myself often feel it is a great way to connect with family, friends, make new friends, and share uplifting art, music, information, whatever. I love it, love my friends on FB.
Linda Peck
Sun, Aug 18, 2013 : 4:08 a.m.
djacks24, thank you for your input. You obviously know more about me than I know about myself.
djacks24
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:29 p.m.
You are more than likely past the point of pettiness in your life. Also, the people you "friend" on facebook are similar in their views as you. Misery breeds misery mostly. There's a study for you.
jcj
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:11 p.m.
Whats sad is people don't have lives other than social media!
snark12
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
I'd be sad, too, if I was using Facebook on that crummy phone in the photo.
bearsRbears
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.
This is totally true. I eliminated Facebook from my diet by deactivating my account after I would continuously feel down after seeing others statuses and pictures that made me feel like I had a slightly less exciting life. Although this sadness is determined based upon each unique individual and feeling of confidence and satisfied sense of well being is your own doing, the sadness can still exist.
thecompound
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:13 p.m.
Not trying to be negative towards you, but would you feel the same sadness if you overheard friends talking about a party or event you weren't invited to? I feel like most people are wired to want social interaction and to feel sadness when they are excluded---Facebook is just a quick/fast vehicle to show people they weren't included. Just not sure a study was needed. Very smart to just deactivate and spare yourself additional sadness. It's hard to make social contacts nowadays, no point in torturing oneself, IMO.
paul wiener
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.
Gee, I heard that a new U-M study established that winter makes people cold.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 8:11 p.m.
I read the Stanford study when it came out as well this study. One interesting aspect is that it seems the negative feelings arise out of the participant's perception that others are having more fun, more fulfilling lives. There is a bit of irony in that many people post things to make their lives look more fulfilling than they might actually be, or more busy than they might actually be, or to boost their own self-esteem. "Walked out this morning I don't believe what I saw A hundred billion bottles washed up on the shore Seems I'm not alone in being alone a hundred billion castaways looking for a home" - The Police , "Message in a Bottle"
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:53 a.m.
"One interesting aspect is that it seems the negative feelings arise out of the participant's perception that others are having more fun, more fulfilling lives." Is the above supposed to be news to someone? Isn't it the basis for every scholarly work ever written about the mid-life crisis, marital infidelity and teenage depression, not to mention all the dramatic fiction of Jacqueline Susann, Phillip Roth, Sidney Sheldon and about 100 others and most of the melodramas filmed between 1945 and 1970?
djacks24
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:13 p.m.
My significant other uses Facebook, however I never touch it. She has a friend that has nothing better to do than post about how great her life is all the time. My significant other comes to me complaining about it and I ask her to ponder and put herself in a situation where if all her wildest dreams were coming true, would she be taking the time to update facebook every 5 minutes? Tends to calm her down and put things in perspective.
zags
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
Kind of like eating fast food.
Tom Joad
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 7:59 p.m.
Social interaction is tough enough in real life. To add a digital component to it in in a milieu that is highly structured to sell goods and warehouse ever fact it can garner about you and your friends' activities is well nigh creepy and has extremely pernicious and sinister effects that we're only beginning to recognize.
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 5:30 a.m.
That's all Facebook is -- electronic cattle herding.
Tizz
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
duh...of course!
tlb1201
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.
It makes me sad that they are using my tax dollars to fund studies like this!
Tom Todd
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
boo hoo your 39 cents does so much
Solitude
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 3:34 a.m.
Jamie Magiera, because it's a complete waste of time and money, that's why. The nature of human interaction and the need for human contact has been well established for, like, decades now. Do you really think it necessary to conduct study after study to learn what everyone with half a brain already knows and God knows how much previous research has already established, which is that humans need human contact to be happy? It's ridiculous. Anyone who spends lots of time comparing themselves to others will be unhappy, whether they use Facebook to do it or Cosmo magazine or Field and Stream. Anyone who looks to electronic "socialization" for validation and interaction is going to be unhappy. Can we now move on to something important, something of actual value to society, like feeding kids or curing cancer or something?
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 7:58 p.m.
It makes you sad that there is research being done on the mental health of young folks in regards to one of the most popular and far-reaching services on the internet? Why?
julieswhimsies
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 7:15 p.m.
82 participants...all college students? This is hardly a large enough or representative sample. I read the "scholarly" article. It is just rubbish. Completely frivolous study.
Jaime Magiera
Sat, Aug 17, 2013 : 1:32 a.m.
They don't make any claims other than what they found in that sampling. What would you consider a significant sampling for any of the information gleaned to be of value?
julieswhimsies
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 11:53 p.m.
Again. 82 participants, even if they are selected from a random population still makes me wonder about the validity of the study. I use FB to stay in touch with my kids. One in Portland, OR, one in Virginia Beach, and one in Colorado. I have also reconnected with many old friends. All of this makes me happy. AND FYI, I do not own FB stock, and I check it once in the morning on my phone via email alerts to see if I have any news...and look at the weekly photos of my beautiful grandson. Time spent: App. 15 minutes. What does make me sad, are the very rude and disrespectful posters on this thread. We all have opinions. If you wish to disagree, that's fine, but mockery of someone with whom you disagree is simply childish.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 10:45 p.m.
djacks24, I've been an educational technologist for 20 years and (technology) radio show host for 15 years. How technology affects our lives is like... my job. Why don't you think there should be research into the effects of social media on people's lives? It's one of the most prominent components of the 21rst century. Just out of curiosity, and I honestly don't mean this with negativity, around what age are you? I'm surprised at the negative comments on social media research - in particular, those that say it's not useful. I'm wondering if there is a particular demographic that is perhaps not as in touch with how much these things are affecting our lives, our society.
jcj
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:10 p.m.
Julie How many times a day do you check it?
djacks24
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 9:07 p.m.
Hold stock in Facebook do you? Other than that, can't think of any reason someone would vigorously defend it like you.
Jaime Magiera
Fri, Aug 16, 2013 : 8:02 p.m.
The participants were recruited via fliers posted around town. They varied in ethnicity and age. Please read the "Caveats" section of the study, which directly addresses your concern about sample size. Also, note that some research is better than no research.