Social Psychologists Network Facebook makes many users unhappy

Physicians are studying the effects of a break in the use of Facebook
Many people today have a Facebook account. This could have a negative impact on their overall satisfaction. Researchers now found that taking a break from using Facebook leads to improved well-being and increased life satisfaction.

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found in their research that interrupting the use of Facebook among certain people can improve well-being and increase overall life satisfaction. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking".

Physicians found in an investigation that some people are happier and happier when they take a break when using Facebook. (Image: Gesina Ottner / fotolia.com)

Detected effect especially strong in intensive users
The experts examined the impact of stopping activities on Facebook over a one-week period. The observed effect was particularly strong among intense Facebook users and people who envy their so-called Facebook friends and resent messages from other people.

Many young people feel happier by leaving Facebook
The study indicates that changes in the behavior of intense Facebook users can lead to positive outcomes. Does leaving social media make you happier? Many young people who have left Facebook or similar media confirm this statement, say the scientists.

Some heavy users of Facebook just can not take a break
However, many people may have trouble changing their behavior. For example, 13 percent of subscribers who actually wanted to take a break from social networking later stated that they were still active on social networks. For such people, a complete end to the use of social media may be necessary, explain the experts.

Study examines almost 1,100 subjects
The current investigation involved 1,095 people. Of these, 86 percent were female, the researchers say. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups. One group continued to use Facebook. The other group ended their activity in the social network for a period of one week. The participants were on average 34 years old, had about 350 Facebook friends and spent more than an hour each day on the social network.

For some people, the impact of a break from Facebook is particularly strong
The subjects had to complete a questionnaire at the end and at the beginning of the examination. It became clear that a break from Facebook increases life satisfaction and positive emotions, the authors explain. The observed impacts were particularly severe among heavy users, passive users and the most obese. For only occasional users, there was no positive effect from a break.

If you have difficulty taking a break, you should stop using Facebook
Due to habits and practices, it can be quite difficult to change the way Facebook is used, explain the physicians. So if users have such problems, they should consider completing Facebook completely.

Older studies gave different results
Previous studies have already found mixed results linking Facebook usage and perceived well-being. Some showed similar results as the current study, others found no relation between the use of Facebook and well-being. The previous studies had also shown that an active connection with his close friends, in real life or on Facebook, can actually increase the well-being.

Further investigations on the subject are necessary
Future studies should examine the effect of discontinuing Facebook activity for a longer period of time, and other social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter also need to be included in such an investigation, say the authors. (As)