Facebook Addiction Disorder: New ‘Social Disease’ That Bites Many Other Every Second

Posted on Feb 13 2012 - 11:00am by CONTRIBUTOR

Editor’s Note:Guest Author Ruchika Shokeen is a technology enthusiast interested in analysing and reporting about different technologies.

“Statistical analysis of the psychophysiological data and pupil dilation indicates that the Facebook experience was significantly different from stress and relaxation on many linear and spectral indices of somatic activity – study says. Moreover, the biological signals revealed that Facebook use can evoke a psychophysiological state characterized by high positive valence and high arousal.”It added that it’s possible users reach a “positive affective state” when they access their social networks.

Facebook can be more addictive than cigarettes or alcohol – Found in study by University of Chicago. Adding to this a further, another study identified chemical reasons at the root of the pervasive need to check social networks – the research combined done by the University of Milan and MIT.

“Moreover, the biological signals revealed that Facebook use can evoke a psychophysiological state characterized by high positive valence and high arousal (Core Flow State).” – resulting into that the scientists hypothesize that the rapid growth being seen among big social networks can be attributed at least in part to positive physical and psychophysiological responses users experience while browsing sites like Facebook.

There’s been no shortage of Facebook studies lately. Another report released last week found that those with a low self-esteem could suffer more by using the site, as posting negative items to Facebook often makes them appear less likable to their friends.

“Okay, I admit it. I am truly addicted to Facebook,” said teenage blogger Heidi Barry-Rodriquez in 2007.  In 2009, teen Neeka Salmasi described the social networking giant as being “like an addiction”. This year, a casino site mentioned that “Facebook provides the atmosphere where it is tough to walk away” in a direct comparison to gambling addiction. A quick web search and it becomes appallingly evident that we have a problem.

Facebook Addiction Disorder — the Symptoms of F.A.D.

  • Tolerance: The desperate behavior of a Facebook addict are described by this term . They spend an increasing amount of time on the site, coming to a stage where they need it in order to obtain satisfaction or on the other extreme. Facebook is  having a detrimental effect on them as a person and their life.
  • Reduction of normal social/recreational activities: Someone suffering from FAD will reduce the time spent catching up with friends, playing sport or whatever it is they used to enjoy doing, to simply spend time on Facebook. Instead of catching up with a friend for coffee, they will send a Facebook message. A dinner date will be substituted with a messenger chat.
  • Fake friends: If 8 out of 10 people shown on their Facebook page are complete strangers, it is undeniable: they have a serious case of FAD.
  • Complete addiction: When they meet new people, they say their name, followed by “I’ll talk to you on Facebook”, or for those who are extremely bad, “I’ll see you in Facebook”. Their pets have Facebook pages, and any notifications, Facebook likes, wall posts, inboxes or friend requests that they receive give them a high, one which can be compared to that gambling addicts get from the pokies or roulette table.

The scientists hypothesize concluded that the rapid growth being seen among big social networks can be attributed at least in part to positive physical and psychophysiological responses users experience while browsing sites like Facebook.

(Image Source: Image 1, Image 2)

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