Facebook Makes You “Like” Yourself Better
A new study from Cornell University researchers published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, has found that using Facebook can actually boost your self-esteem.
Basically, the experiment that lead to this result documented three groups of students from the university’s Social Media Lab: one was the control group who sat in front of blank computer screens for three minutes, one group had mirrors propped up against their screens and spent their three minutes regarding their own reflections, and the third group was allowed to surf their Facebook profiles for the allotted time. Then all were given a self-esteem questionnaire.
Not surprisingly, the group who was allowed to surf their carefully constructed Facebook profiles that display a very controlled and specific image of themselves saw a spike in their self-esteem, while the other groups showed no discernible change in their self-esteem levels. It may also help that one’s Facebook wall is covered with encouraging messages, and that the explicit point of Facebook is to connect one with the people who care about them or find them interesting, and engaging.
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking
Fast Company: “This Is Your Brain on Facebook ”
Photo Credit: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid
Recent Articles By Dory Carr-Harris 
Dory is the Managing Editor of PSFK.com. She'll write about anything as long as it's smart or funny. You can follow her on Twitter @dory_carrharris, and you can ping her about any old thing at dory@psfk.com.
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