IS FACEBOOK MAKING US LONELY?

Summer Biggs

THE ISSUE Social media have made us more networked than ever before

Research suggests we have never been lonelier Loneliness is making us unhappy and unhealthy

YES, FACEBOOK MAKES US LONELY

Facebook creates a den of comparison
Sharing the positive and avoiding the negative Trump sharing Jealousy, anxiety, depression

Facebook fragments our time

Horizontal strategy-log in more frequently through different devices People are less present where they are

Facebook causes decline of close relationships

Passive consumption and broadcasting create feelings of disconnectedness Facebook appeal: distance with intimacy

NO, FACEBOOK DOES NOT MAKE US LONELY

Used to enhance existing relationships
More communication with relatives and friends

Weve been labeled lonely for decades

Growing and lessening social connection over time Facebook just a scapegoat

Facebook isnt the cause, its a symptom

Lonely people will use Facebook interaction instead of real interaction

WHAT I BELIEVE
Facebook isnt making us lonely, but it is making us more competitive and narcissistic
Facebook does not directly cause loneliness We still have close relationships Facebook just adds a new dimension
Must worry about our real life image, and Facebook image as well Posting to show we are happy and having fun Comments and likes are sign of popularity, decide self image