Over the years, I've noticed that different social networks affect people in different ways. Instagram almost feels like a highlight reel- people post their best moments, their most flattering pictures, or most exciting experiences. Sure, this can be inspiring, but it can also make someone feel as though they aren't doing enough with their own life. In contrast, Facebook seems more casual. You can see anything from job updates to random memes and event invites, feeling more like a digital scrapbook. This can be both comforting and overwhelming, depending on the person and day. Adler and Proctor (2023) state, "Without nonverbal cues, online communicators can create idealized-and sometimes unrealistic- images of one another." (p. 46). I think this resonated with me because it is something I feel many of us have experienced, even if we didn't realize it at the time. Communication online, whether it be through a post or a DM, takes away the opportunity to take in someone's body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions. Without these cues, it's easier for us to fill in the blanks with what we want the other person to be.
The impact of Facebook, and social networking sites in general, on user's mental health varies widely depending on a few factors. This includes the type of engagement. Pearson et al. (2021) distinguish between passive and active interpersonal communication. Passive behaviors, such as what has been coined "doom scrolling", or scrolling endlessly without interaction, often increase the chances of social comparison. This leads to lower self esteem and even depressive symptoms. On the other hand, active engagement, including messaging friends and commenting on posts, fosters interpersonal connections. These contribute to a sense of belonging and emotional support.
Ultimately, how users experience social networks depends on how they use it and how the platform itself either facilitates or hinders healthy interaction. When used actively and mindfully, it promotes connection and self-worth, but when driven by comparison and passive scrolling, it will have the opposite effect.
Some interesting videos I found discussing this week's topics:
Adler, Ronald B., and Russell F. Proctor II. Interplay: The Process of Interpersonal Communication. 16th ed., Oxford University Press, 2023.
Pearson, Judy C., et al. Human Communication. 7th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2021.
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