Facebook Leads To Depression: ‘Surveillance Use’ Could Be Damaging To One's Health

Facebook leads to depression-depending on how you use it. This is what researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia, with authors Margaret Duffy and Edson Tandoc, have concluded in a recent study.

The study which involved 700 young Facebook users said that the leading reason why people got sad in using the social networking site is when they engaged in 'surveillance use' which is basically comparing friend's achievements with one's own circumstances, The Independent said.

"Facebook can be a fun and healthy activity if users take advantage of the site to stay connected with family and old friends and to share interesting and important aspects of their lives. However, if Facebook is used to see how well an acquaintance is doing financially or how happy an old friend is in his relationship - things that cause envy among users - use of the site can lead to feelings of depression," Margaret Duffy, chairperson of strategic communication at the MU School of Journalism said in a statement.

The Telegraph further define the extent of 'surveillance use' and identified that people who are affected or who got jealous browsing or sneaking on a friend's page who posted about expensive holidays, new houses or cars - or even happy relationships are considered 'surveillance users'.

On the other hand, those who used Facebook, simply, to stay in touch with old and new friends did not feel depressed at all.

"Facebook can be a very positive resource for many people, but if it is used as a way to size up one's own accomplishments against others, it can have a negative effect. It is important for Facebook users to be aware of these risks so they can avoid this kind of behavior when using Facebook," Professor Duffy further said.

NPR pointed out a similar study conducted in 2013 from the University of Michigan which concluded that Facebook use is linked with the decline of happiness.