Murray ridge center- Mobile upload |- m. Facebook

Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD)

Michael Fenichel, Ph.D.

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"Internet Habit" seems ubiquitous - easy to encounter everywhere, as a phenomenon, equally simply an accepted part of every day life in the Digital Historic period. Much less mentioned is the even more than pervasive "smartphone addiction", & "Crackberry addiction", "gaming habit" or "texting addiction". All these are real, and of grade tin can co-exist. Only Facebook makes it all so easy and friendly. Are we now at risk of seeing a vast presentation - a cultural commonality - of "Facebook Addiction Disorder"? (Or is sometimes FAD just a fad?)

Some may contend that since these have get just as much a part of daily life every bit water coolers and discussion processing programs, these cannot be painted equally "addictive" so much equally but some other daily life tool in the world of the 21st Century. However, simply as "newbie" infatuation with the connectedness and immediacy of email and web surfing led to a societal business virtually "Internet Addiction" or pathological Internet use, the phenomenon of social networking has left the arena of personal and group networking to a very public and constant arena which allows for potent reinforcement of exhibitionist, voyeuristic, &/or interaction-seeking behavior, often in combination. Add together to the instant texting component the power to post pictures and videos, play popular-psychology and popular-civilization games and quizzes ("applications"), follow (slightly less closely than Twitter) the every move, conclusion, feeling, and random thought of everyone in countless networks, and also maintain a homepage/"wall" for all to encounter and visit, and this is the all-time possible recipe for significant (behavioral) habit, every bit it fills a large and "normal" role of so many lives. Whether it is more than of an "addiction" than say ice cream, or "staying continued", or talking, reading, gambling, or excessive online/TV/cellphone activity (to the extent it interferes with other necessary and/or "good for you" behavior), is no incertitude private. But it is only a matter of fourth dimension before large numbers fall prey to the lures of a 24/7 social network with so many wonderful things to offering, a domicile among friends and shared applications (aka games, quizzes, personality-types "tests", awards, gifts and diverse "silly stuff") non to mention sharing laughs and creative feedback via photos, graphics, videos and more.

Need evidence for the pervasiveness of Facebook? If you accept a Facebook business relationship, yous already know: Existent and imagined friends, f2f and online acquaintances, school buddies from the past, ex-spouses, military machine leaders, even the President of the Usa, all appreciate the ability of "having a Facebook" presence. (This turns out to be much more so than with 2nd Life's initial promise, perhaps considering of the ease of use and fading of novelty.) The amazing thing is that, like cell phones, nobody seems to notice the vast amount of time and energy - at work, at abode, and now while on the motility - people are devoting to Facebook. It has become a given. An article on figurer hardware for photographers (Shutterbug, May 2009, p.95) advises, "If y'all need a PC to access your e-mail and Facebook accounts when you lot're on the road..." to consider specific minor mobile PC's. Commercial tv set features endmost credits inviting viewers to follow-up via Facebook or Twitter. More and more links on web pages invite "sharing" on Facebook or RSS feeds or Twitter. We're all connected, hooray! And for some the opportunities are pure ecstasy, both for the social networking component (which was at the center of the thought in the first place, albeit targeted at students) and for the games and contests which can be more of a fourth dimension sponge than any prior computer diversion known to wo/man, such equally solitaire or randomly surfing the web.

One of the ironies is that the very people who might otherwise be working with people professionally to care for addictions, social isolation, etc., seem to exist themselves among the most agile Facebookers. Admittedly fatigued from a limited Sample, it is notwithstanding overwhelming to see how much time is devoted to things similar determining what crayon color one is, or who is the best at Bejeweled Blitz - and these are oftentimes mental wellness professionals who ostensibly spend at least some time off of Facebook, and might be able to suffer a twenty-four hours (or hour) or two without going through withdrawal. Nonetheless, many people have so integrated Facebook as a part of normal life - "I wake up in the morning and cheque Facebook" has overtaken waking up, getting dressed, and finding/checking the prison cell telephone - that it has get as much a part of the (invisible) tapestry of normal daily life as using the phone or checking email. For improve and worse. Like many Internet tools, this can exist both an opportunity and challenge, and for many it is piece of cake to strike a perfect blend. Students - who I have recently observed taking "breaks" from homework to take quizzes on what kind of element, lover, animal, serial killer, physician or rock star ane nearly resembles - take already integrated everything from Facebook to texting to I-phones, AIM, SMS, and Tivo into "normal daily life". But there is seemingly a new "newbie" experience among oldsters who seem to enjoy the same treats which were intended for college students and and so co-opted by high school students as well.

As with all potentially "addictive"online activities, people vary in their involvement, some periodically "checking in" to stay in touch, others checking in one case or twice a day, equally a supplement to telephone and e-mail checking, and some seemingly spending quite substantial portions of time in activities which might be called creative, self-revealing, competitive, or purely social. Different historic period groups focus on different important activities, of class, students frequently sharing woes about assignments or gossip about peers, as well as creative videos and self-affirming photos or quiz results, some adults checking in occasionally or simply when notified of incoming messages (to inbox or wall), nevertheless others invariably posting multiple messages every twenty-four hour period relating to mundane daily life activities, or quiz results, or feeling states of the moment. One may wonder: Is this happening in the presence of clients? Co-workers? While supposedly conversing online with another person? At the expense of Real Life (RL), or to be more authentic, Non-Online Life?

I have reported on some of the research and theory pertaining to "

Internet Addiction ", and accept (silently) observed what appears to be a commercially-blessed wave of mobile phone and device addiction (every bit distinct from social networking addiction). But Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD) appears to me to take the well-nigh ingrained and self-reinforcing of all scenarios, reinforcing through immediacy, acclaim, intimacy, shared feel, shared creativity, and the ability to be the complete and total captain of the send of ane'south Facebook dwelling page. For some the "apps" seem to be totally compelling, for hours on stop, for others Facebook is used more similar email, to keep in touch on with a grouping, sometimes serious, sometimes playful, sometimes merely sharing. But the fact of how ingrained Facebook has become culturally is 1 which is easy to miss, considering, well, everybody's doing information technology! Or then it seems. The irony of who is most pathologically fond (every bit opposed to homework, relationship, or work avoidant even without such a seductive companion equally Facebook) is that nobody may be left to observe or treat this huge behavioral phenomenon, as everybody is too focused on Walls and apps and networks and finding old & new friends.

When is a friend a friend? When is constant behavior an addiction? Is there such a thing as too much or as well little social networking? Who decides? Who asks?

Obviously much of this is rightfully engaging, and also quite healthy. Like most activities, moderation and integration are key. Those that may seriously characterization and treat FAD as a behavioral addiction will clearly demand to utilize context in determining if a beliefs has go demonstrably harmful to overall social, work, or (f2f) interpersonal efficacy. For many people, especially those not already invested in maintaining personal homepages, blogs, photo-sharing collections, IM-ing networks, etc., Facebook offers the perfect menu of opportunity. It may be similar to the proverbial "kid in the processed store" who cannot turn abroad from every temptation in sight, for hours of fourth dimension supposedly spent on work, homework, housework, or relationship work, who may have a trouble, if not "disorder". It is when one cannot leave the continuous activation/reinforcement of a daily (or hourly or constant) activity that one may surmise information technology has become a problem. For others, it's a wonderful candy store bachelor whenever one is in the mood for sweets or hanging out with friends online or checking in - without the need to do and then on a constant and urgent footing.

Expect for the next stage: "

How to Tell if You lot're a Facebook Addict" And so, tin can it exist long before we encounter specialized treatments for FADs? For Twitter-mania? Pathological Device Devotion ?

Your Brain On Computers - Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime
24 August 2010
New York Times

Beyond sleep-deprivation and eye fatigue, there is real reason for business over people's can't-get-plenty push to ever more immediacy and multi-tasking. Retrieve: attention, focus, efficiency, self-monitoring, things similar this which in one case were a large function of normal daily life.

In the News

It seems that, non surprisingly, mainstream media (online and off) has get interested specifically in "Facebook Habit Disorder". Already the "symptom lists" are appearing on their own or are offered in response to journalist inquiries. As in the mid 1990's, lists -- and even the inevitable "apps" now -- are springing up to amuse us and/or advise us on "How to Tell if You're a Facebook Addict" and citing the "Top Symptoms" etc.

CNN: Five clues that you are addicted to Facebook (April 29 2009)
One of the before media stories highlighting the ability of the web to "aficionado". Are Y'all a Facebook Aficionado? (October 2009)
Here is a recent article which quoted some of my own writing on this subject (fairly and contextually), and provided some thoughts by other psychologists besides - one of whom provided a brief symptom list.

I might exist inclined to add or subtract from this list. For example: the common cold shakes might be a fleck extreme as an expectation in the case of not-chemic withdrawal only then I exercise speak with adult professionals who say they cannot envision a period of 1 whole day (or less) without checking i'due south social world via Facebook. I told me information technology would be similar life stopped. Facebook-enabled "addicts" seem to fall casualty to the endless availability of "apps", whether cocky-oriented quizzes or game-playing or being at the hub of nonstop social opportunity. Like the Internet in general, Facebook has information technology all, only in a user-friendly parcel all in one master dwelling page.

Some treatment approaches are being developed which endeavor to apply notions of stimulus command and contextual cues to better monitor one's fourth dimension and behavior; more will be shared as results are known. Clearly not everyone adversely impacted past a specific online behavioral addiction is able to completely abandon the estimator. Stay tuned...

El Pais (En Español) :
Los arrepentidos de Facebook
Fri 13 Nov 2009

This article in Spain's leading newspaper explores the phenomenon of social network participation. While sometimes I'yard (partially) quoted in ways which brand me sound similar the absolute voice of gloom & doom nearly the addictive aspects of Facebook in particular, I was pleased that this journalist used my thoughts on the *positive* aspects of online advice: providing admission to social and professional support, opening the earth to the geographically isolated or physically challenged, etc.

It must have been a relevant topic for a lot of people, as the journalist shared with me it was the nigh accessed online story of the mean solar day. Bueno!

It's in Spanish, of grade (coming from Spain), and I think a off-white and not-too-sensationalized commodity, where the journalist sought out comments by myself and others to several perspectives. At that place's likewise a description of a Spanish social network (invitation-only) which has been around for a few years at present.

BBC Tech Brief
12 August 2010

The BBC recently highlighted Mashable.com'southward presentation of Flowtown's

2010 Social Networking Map, which was described as accurate while also "quirky and amusing": " Facebook is the largest unmarried landmass but it is interesting to meet how Twitter, Habbo and the Empire of Google compare." Yous may also find the "Former Kingdom of MySpace" and "Receding Glaciers of AOL" represented on the map. Your Brain On Computers - Digital Devices Deprive Brain of Needed Downtime
24 August 2010
New York Times

Beyond slumber-impecuniousness and centre fatigue, there is existent reason for business organization over people's can't-get-enough push to ever more than immediacy and multi-tasking. Recall: attention, focus, efficiency, self-monitoring, things similar this which once were a large office of normal daily life.

Facebook friends tend to be narcissistic, insecure: York U study
TORONTO, September 7, 2010

The link above leads to the press release by York University (Sept. 2010) and the total study was published in the periodical Cyberpsychology, Beliefs, and Social Networking. Not shocking, perhaps, the short story definitely gets attention and invites finger-pointing at the closest "Facebook Addict". There is also an interesting description of the dynamics backside FB "cocky-promotion". Narcissism conjures up images of vanity in the public's center, just interestingly these findings at least suggest how FB may be playing a function in offer an avenue for people to bolster flagging self-esteem through social connection, and credence within groups. Is it perchance basic human being nature to fluff up the ego and seek or make friends? Here is a world brimming with candy, disguises, all sorts of social and gaming opportunities, and the perfect escape from time... :-)

Narcissism'southward Alive and Well on Facebook
CBS NEWS, 10 September 2010

The broadcast Tv set tease: "How many times accept yous logged onto Facebook but to detect that (fill in the name here) has updated their page for the upteenth time with yet another entirely forgettable, wonder of me moment?" (CBS). Their spider web article includes related links.

I've not seen the original study only would be interested in learning more about how they defined/adamant/operationalized "narcissism". Psychological theory (object relations) holds that there is, after all, "skillful" or "healthy" narcissism in addition to the pathological.

How to Defeat a Facebook Addiction
Retrieved Oct five 2010, with over 16,000 views thus far. (wikiHow)

Although content may modify here (due to the nature of a Wiki), online presently (Oct. 2010) one can find several good points and tips. While not endorsing any specific comment or handling proposal, the overall collection of links and suggestions offers some fine ideas in addition to reinforcing the notion that at that place is such thing as "as well much". I of the central points here seems to exist underscoring the importance of "mindfulness" about our time use, while some other suggests the value of employing strategies to assistance with time management rather than merely going "cold turkey" from FB &/or computers. This is consequent with the handling arroyo at present used (eastward.grand., past Kimberly Young) with "Internet Habit" more mostly.

The Anti-Social Network: Is Facebook Making Us Sad?
(Slate, 26 January 2011)

A new study from Stanford University suggests that the constant idealizing and positive spin we put "out there" on FB may contrast painfully with our existent-life daily feel away from the comfortable earth of FB. There is a lot hither which might be discussed on a number of sociological and psychological levels. Freud might accept called the undue "cathexis" (mental free energy allocation) directed towards devices and self-entertainment "denial" or "displacement", while one'south online wall offers the perfect identify for projection, fantasy, and baloney. Others might address narcissism, or the role of attention and focus, or peer/social pressure. A lot to consider!

Writer, author: Sherry Turkle
(The Guardian, United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland, 29 January 2011) A give-and-take with the author of "Lonely Together", who recognizes the potential for individual empowerment which the Cyberspace offers, while highlighting too the way in which one may be seduced by, and fixated on, the devices rather than the RL situation at hand: "I go to a funeral and people are texting, hiding their phones under the gild of service". Exactly. Why text or pull out a device now? Where are we now when we refer to being "in the moment" or in the Here and Now? The World is Obsessed with Facebook
(Alex Trimpe, February 2011) Social Networking has get a major force shaping lifestyles and fifty-fifty sparking "People Power" movements on behalf of causes worldwide. A wonderful overview of the rise and employ of Facebook tin be found in Alex Trimpe's engaging video, with some fascinating statistics spanning from 2004-2011. Docs warn about Facebook apply and teen depression
(Associated Press, 28 March 2011)

Getting a lot of publicity in the media today, a Pediatric organization seems to advise notwithstanding another new diagnosis: Facebook Low. The "good news" is that the treatment "prescription" is increased family unit face-to-face time. (The "bad news" is that Facebook dependency is a growing consequence for parents and professional care-givers besides.) Still true: Parents need to be available, and parent!
[ Total Written report:

Clinical Written report: The Impact of Social Media on Children, Adolescents, and Families ] The Human Without a Facebook
(Film Trailer, July 2011)

A favorite clip to illustrate the power of 'the new peer pressure' to bring together the virtual globe of friends, likes, and shares. Information technology may be difficult for those who refuse to 'get with the program' and insist on remaining 'un-taggable' and living life F2F.

Poke Me: How Social Networks Can Both Help and Harm Our Kids
(APA Presentation, August 2011, Asynchronously Live Report by Fenichel)

Asynchronously live written report from the 119th APA Convention (2011), here is psychologist/author Larry Rosen with a broad perspective on today's generations: how and how much media is consumed, generational differences, the trends in social media, and how information technology all impacts our lives. Social and cognitive behavior, and an in-depth look at media consumption across generations, waves, and mini-waves. Lots of interesting web metrics make for an enlightened perspective of Life 3.0.

What Facebook Really Wants
(The New Yorker, 22 Sept 2011)

Here's a brief expect at 'the mind of Facebook', or behind Facebook, and the vision of a future of FB owning everyone's identity and consciousness in but 1 central gathering screen. (A flake like Big Brother and the single screen? Morbeus, whose unconscious drives command everything, in Forbidden Planet?)

Why Facebook is After Your Kids
(NY Times, 12 Oct 2011)

This well-referenced report begins with the "troubling news" reported by Consumer Reports - that seven.5 Million children anile 12 and younger are now 'on Facebook' and subject field to the same privacy and marketing and peer pressure forces which drive much of the focus and experience of older Facebook users - those for whom the social networking/Facebook thought was originally meant. The article presents several studies and amplifies the concerns about privacy mostly as well every bit the vulnerability of children to marketing ploys, and giving abroad personal information. While some encounter social networking every bit social, others run across only a movable database for marketing, driven by the near-religious fervor of founder Marking Zuckerberg, who explains information technology all thusly: "The more than y'all're sharing, the more — the model all but works out." Hither the NY Times reports on how FB is vying to weaken legal protections for children - at the aforementioned time working to impose a "

timeline " which envisions every snapshot, movement, idea, "similar", etc., from cradle to grave, effortlessly becoming the property of Facebook and/or public domain, forever. Facebook Can Get Yous Fired, Ruin Your Marriage (Maybe)
(TIMETechland, 30 December 2011)

This scary-sounding story comes from Time's Facebook Blog at 2011's end. This follows a

Guardian story involving not the usual professional relationship boundaries such as educatee-teacher or md-patient or lawyer-client relationships.

Looking ahead: 2012

What Will 2012 Mean for Social Media? Another perspective from Time Magazine'due south Techland, a chip more up-shell while too referencing the topic of social unrest along with corporate and social media trends: Seeing Social Media More as Portal Than as Pitfall
(NY Times, 9 Jan 2012)

A pediatrician's perspective which describes social media as a "new environment in which kids are sorting through the process of becoming autonomous adults - the same things that take been going on since the globe cooled."

Social Networks Are (Mostly) Happy Places, Pew Finds
(Media Post/The Social Graf, 13 February 2012)

Brief summary of Pew's recent survey of attitudes regarding social networks and their use. There are also links to several articles which bridge beyond the mix of business and "social" use, both positive and negative.

Trying to Observe a Cry of Desperation Amid the Facebook Drama
(New York Times, 23 Feb 2012)

Some may be familiar with earlier research into causes and effects of time spent online (positive, negative, neutral/idiographic). Prior to so much attention to online life there was a great deal of effort to teach how the 'alarm signs' of low and/or suicide-homicide are and then often apparent. Add to the constancy of depression and teen angst the changing attitudes of teachers and clinicians towards setting boundaries online, and this makes for an interesting discussion. (imho)

Facebook's 'dark side': study finds link to socially aggressive narcissism
(The Guardian, 17 March 2012

Creating some fizz and collegial give-and-take, the enquiry highlights the link between social network behavior and 'narcissism' - in this case, time spent at the Internet mirror, preening one'due south paradigm, counting friends, & self/brand promoting. How is 'cocky-absorption' responded to, socially, online? There have been many studies using 'narcissism' scales to appraise feelings and needs which get acted upon (for skillful or bad) - but the archetype scales are dated. Recently a few researchers have begun to explore online social dynamics, from collaboration to bullying. Some say this particular concept of 'socially disruptive' egotistic beliefs has long been known - as 'attention-seeking'. The dynamic is easily extended to interpersonal (&/or self-prototype-oriented) behavior online, in this age of always-on. Particularly refreshing in this written report is the give-and-take of how underlying individual thinking is being impacted, important things such every bit 'focus' and 'attention'. These in turn touch academic and piece of work success, 'cocky-esteem', and social behavior too. Brutal circle. We increasingly inhabit a world of impression management, image grooming, and brand promotion all vying for our optics, attending, and time. Clinical 'narcissism' optional.

Is Facebook Making Us Lone?
(The Atlantic, May 2012)

Lonelier? More Egotistic? Considering of - or despite - social media? Has cause/effect been proven? The questions and implications are not new, but here is a new spin which is generating a lot of buzz. (One example follows.) Could it be that we are becoming media-hypnotized lemmings, lonely or non? Has 'mod life' but interconnected us all, for good and bad, shining a brighter light on homo beliefs?

Is Facebook Making Us Lonely? No, the Atlantic Story is wrong. Facebook Isn't Making Us Solitary
(Slate, Apr 2012)

Web-savvy Slate quickly took issue with both the reportage and the conclusions of The Atlantic article (to a higher place). Slate's response in fact was so speedy and pithy that information technology seems to have scooped the lion'southward share of publicity. Whatsoever the deep answers for the findings, clearly at that place is interest! All to the good. This article includes a few links to recent research.

Kingdom of norway's Bergen Facebook Addiction Calibration
(MedicalWorldToday, May 2012)

As reported here by MedicalWorldToday, the April 2012 result of Psychological Reports features research in Norway by Dr. Cecilie Andraessen, utilizing the "Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale". There are some examples of items here, and an interesting discussion that notes the changing nature of Facebook itself. Also as the users, a signal to which Dr. Andraessen speaks. Another point of view is also presented: possibly what we are seeing is a generalized "social media addiction" phenomenon, in many flavors and contexts.

Put Your Best Face Forward
(WCBS Television News, June 2012)

Here's a must-encounter report for anyone who doubts how important it is for so many people to have the 'perfect contour' to accrue 'friends' and 'be liked' - to the signal of massive time and try spent with impression direction/epitome grooming. Sometimes, as reported here, it moves beyond social media posts (text and links) to the bespeak of Photoshopping images or seeking RL corrective surgery. Fascinating report with some good links to related news stories.

Facebook Psychology: Popular Questions Answered by Inquiry
(Psychology of Popular Media Culture - APA Journal - 2012)

To date, the most rigorous and insightful look at how and why people - and corporations - employ, return to, caput to Facebook, and the 'outcomes' of all this fourth dimension being spent on this online platform. Shared with permission (for educational purposes just), this is from the American Psychological Association's new Periodical: Psychology of Popular Media Culture. (.pdf file)

And into 2013...

Search Option From Facebook is a Privacy Test
(The NY Times, 18 Jan 2013)

As Facebook focuses on going mobile, so users can easily connect, share, etc., 24/vii, some concerns are existence voiced nearly individual privacy beingness sacrificed as FB seeks to 'graph' the lives and likes of the globe'southward inhabitants.

Do you suffer from FOMO? "Fright of Missing Out" ?

Don't Get Up. App Makes Your Couch a Cool Spot.
(The NY Times, 22 January 2013)

Therapists and teachers and parents detect it, and increasing numbers written report experiencing information technology. Have we go 'fond' to following every tweet, FB post, and cheque-in, in existent-fourth dimension, no matter what we are doing apart from attending to our devices? Is 'missing out' on a nanosecond of data stream 'no longer an option'?

This column will modify your life: do you own your gadgets - or do they own you?
(The Guardian, 8 February 2013)

This is THE question some observers have been asking: Who is the principal, the dominate, the captain of our experience? An app? Are we harnessing applied science every bit tools, or are the tools and how-do-you-do-tech marketing and peer pressure level called 'social' actually controlling us? Is this the an era of 'useful gadgets' in fact ruling the lives of their owners? Owning our attention span and setting our goals (like finding a signal, or wifi, or charger)?

Facebook users unwittingly revealing intimate secrets, report finds
(The Guardian, 11 March 2013) To which a news commentator or satirist may well respond, 'really?'. Social scientists, teens, and others know, everything is now shared, and our 'likes' are marketed to 'friends' as theirs are to us. Social. Here'south the first account of a Cambridge study looking at 58,000 U.S. Facebook users.

[See also the APA Journal study above, on a study of 'Facebook Psychology' - how we mind our image and behavior.]

A further wait at how our Facebook 'likes' reveal not only a person'southward browsing behavior but also personalit traits - with high levels of accurateness accurateness. Fifty-fifty if Big Brother isn't watching closely advertisers and data harvesters certainly are. And it seems many "like", or are unaware. Search Tool on Facebook Puts Network to Work
(The NY Times, 22 March 2013)

Is this the next phase of bringing about one unmarried web destination for all the world, all the fourth dimension? No need to purchase gifts, send cards, play games, or now search - elsewhere. As they say, 'YMMV - Your Mileage may vary' depending on how hooked in one is to large networks of friends who 'similar', 'share', and 'recommend', all in the same place. As for the results, those with lives across Facebook may withal practice far meliorate with a search engine which yields factual information rather than the often-random 'likes' which are shared profusely among those who live on Facebook.

Never disconnect: The Facebook Phone arrives
(The NY Times, three April 2013)

Well, it'south here, the inevitable invitation to remain permanently (and literally) attached to friends and sharing 'likes', all in 1 place, and attached literally too, as more than and more people (with small screens and good vision) do more and more living 'on device', every bit opposed to on the phone, or online. Now one can share, like, and 'social search' 24/7, even sleeping with our devices as enquiry shows we do.

How Teens Are Really Using Facebook: It's a 'Social Burden', Pew Written report Finds
(Huffington Post, 21 May 2013)

When does keeping up with massive social data-sharing end being fun and showtime to be experienced more as a burden or impediment to more natural social interaction? The time may exist coming sooner than expected, perhaps even helped along past Facebook and Twitter, etc., contributing to micro- attentions spans.    [Final Pew Report - Consummate - .pdf - Unavailable 2019]

Facebook Made Me Practise It
(The NY Times, xv June 2013)

... and like it, besides! Whether it's the power of the device or the social influence of peers and marketers, at that place is little doubt about the pervasive impact Facebook has had on lifestyles. Not just does Facebook make us practice things, but information technology loves how we 'like' and suggest things for our 'friends' to buy. Side by side up, peradventure? Facebook fabricated me like it, share it, friend it....

Our Daily Cup of Facebook
( NY Times $.25, 13 Aug 2013)

Facebook and devices bring together the morn cup of coffee as an ingrained 'habit' of daily life. A brief snapshot from a demographic and marketing perspective.

Facebook is Not Suitable For Kids Under 13, Center for Digital Commonwealth Explains Why
(United states Today, xix Sept 2013)

"From online data mning, a lack of safeguards, and fifty-fifty unhealthy nutrient choices [The Center for Digital Democracy] makes a compelling argument for keeping your young children off the pop social network and others like it.".

Welcome to Internet Rehab
(Huff Postal service, 25 Sept 2013)

Getting a great deal of printing (Fall 2013), here's ane of the better manufactures on the new 10-day inpatient handling plan ('rehab') for IAD - 16 beds, full medical staff, and a pricetag of $14,000 USD, non paid for (before or after ACA) by insurance. Serious treatment combining some now-familiar components of 'detox' support and cognitive-behavioral therapy. This plan is at the Bradford Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania, launched past Dr. Kimberly Young, a pioneer in the identification, treatment, and study of 'Internet Addiction'. This is the showtime inpatient programme of its kind.

[An historical annotation: to be fair, Dr. Merissa Orzack launched the first hospital-based treatment program for '

computer addiction ' in 1999, although it was on an outpatient basis.] Scientists Used Facebook For the Largest Ever Written report Of Language And Personality
(Business Insider, two Oct 2013)

The article sounds a fleck like Rorschach inkblot test meets 'positive psychology', or, equally the commodity puts it, filtering all our 'shared' words through an 'open up-vocabulary approach' and so in the cease we can acquire new vistas of understanding every bit "big data meets psychology". The headline declares the results 'groundbreaking' and - amongst the Facebook-connected earth, which is near everyone - proclaims how word-use analysis can "provide an unprecedented window into the psychological world of people with a given trait.". Groovy for marketers and whom else? Facebook psychometricians? Social psychologists? Pollsters?

Here is the University of Pennsylvania study itself:

Personality, Gender, and Age in the Linguistic communication of Social Media: The Open-Vocabulary Approach The neuroscience of Facebook: Information technology Makes Our Brains Happy
(Salon.com, five Oct 2013)

This article takes a perspective emphasizing that our brains are inherently 'wired for social'. With a bit of neuroscience to advise how connectedness - via Facebook, of course - is making the collective brains of the planet 'happy'. [Can brains experience happiness without an owner?]

Doctors' Rx: Brand a Program to Manage Kids' Media Employ
(Us Today, 28 Oct 2013)

A written report on the new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics which proposes family 'media plans', given how "exposure to TV, smartphones, computers, tablets, and all forms of social media play a dominant office in the lives of American kids and teens..." - and adults besides! Includes several resources including a link to healthychildren.org where i can acquire

How to Make a Family Media Apply Plan. Looking for Intimacy in the Age of Facebook
(NY Times, 1 Nov 2013)

A await at how confront-to-face up relationships are impacted by constant attention to devices (smart phones, texting,etc.) at the price of personal (contiguous) connexion and the growth of 'distraction attraction'. Have you been to a meal or party where people appoint their screens rather than each other?

On Second Thought... (Do I really want to post this on Facebook?)
(Slate, 16 Dec 2013)

Facebook not merely tracks your every online, on-Facebook move, but they scrutinize the letters users start so determine against posting, invoking the judgment or 'mindfulness' to "self-censor". (Perchance information technology would exist offensive, or not-flattering, or fluff?) But Facebook *wants* to know! (And don't permit it happen again!)

5 Means to boot your 24/7 tech addiction in 2014
(CNBC, xix Dec 2013)

A look at the growth of mindfulness nearly immersion/addiction inside the always-connected lifestyle. Hither are some findings and implications from a contempo University of Maryland study and an exploration of 'digital detox' in terms of challenges and benefits. Dr. David Greenfield (an Internet habit/behavior specialist) describes a societal 'tipping point' and Dr. Kimberly Young (who treats IAD) stresses the value of positive, additive behaviors across remaining defenseless in the Cyberspace.

'Brand You': how Facebook, Google and Twitter are turning the states into narcissists
(The Telegraph, 27 December 2013)

What do y'all similar, what are you doing? Look at me, will you be my friend? A glimpse at the personal side of 'branding' and (another) look at the human relationship between self-promotion, image grooming, and narcissism. Does all the cocky-focus feed information technology, or are we attracted to places where nosotros tin publicly smoothen as a persona?

2014: Year of the Facebook?

Facebook Knows All Your Posting Tricks - And How Well They Work
(BuzzFeed, viii January 2014)

Facebook'due south (social) engineers continue to report and strengthen our Facebook habits. Here'southward a taste of how, if not why.

iii Million Teens Leave Facebook In three Years: The 2022 Facebook Demographic Study
(iStrategy Labs, xv January 2014)

Has information technology peaked amongst teens, or is at that place a movement away from fishbowl privacy? Are we still pwned or are some finding life beyond Facebook, organically? Interesting stats.
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The discussion continues. Good or bad? Happy or sad? Additive or subtractive? Cause or reflection of narcissism? Constant connexion: Facilitator or cure for loneliness? Ability to focus? Attention span? Relationships? All or none of the to a higher place? Oops, more than than 140 characters, so who is still reading?

Here is an interesting infographic jubilant the 10th Ceremony of (The) Facebook, Feb 4, 2014. [NY Times]

The Elevation twenty Valuable Facebook Statistics - February 2014
(Zephoria Internet Marketing Solutions, 19 February 2014)

Interesting demographics including mobile use, time spent onsite, age and geographic data, and more.

Experimental testify of massive-scale emotional contagion through social networks
(Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the Us , June 2014)

Here is the original study which manipulated the user feel of over 680,000 prospective Facebook users (Subjects?) - ostensibly to explore how emotional contamination [like Facebook use?] can be manipulated? Did this violate human enquiry standards, or was it simply 'marketplace analysis'?

Facebook tinkered with users' feeds for a massive psychology experiment
(A.V.Guild, 27 June 2014)

Hither's a summary of the reactions to the Facebook report which has set off alarm bells among users, coincidental observers, privacy advocates, and researchers, including psychologists who are voicing item concerns about the lack of "informed consent". In the aftermath of research into what people type just cull non to post, this is said to be a study of 'social contagion'. Adept? Evil? Upstanding enquiry? Opportunity?

How an IRB Could Have Legitimately Approved the Facebook Experiment—and Why that May Be a Good Affair
(TheFacultyLounge.com, 29 June 2014)

The counter-argument to the protests about lack of 'informed consent', highlighting some of the distinctions betwixt human subject enquiry and marketing research. Risk-benefit-truthfulness components to the debate.

2015 - Facebook, "Social Life" and Device-centric Lifestyle

This is how Facebook stresses you lot out, co-ordinate to report
(PBS NewsHour, fifteen January 2015)

A discussion of how Facebook action tin can add to stress, which is described as a 'price of caring', according to a new study by the Pew Enquiry Heart. This PBS summary highlights some of the complexity in contextualizing the findings, such every bit how females are most impacted, simply tend to be the nearly involved with 'social' networking in general (not only on Facebook). Some skilful dicussion points across gender differences, in terms of the expressions online of sharing and 'caring'. (I wonder about the factor of 'empathy' or 'seeking support' or approval. Many variables!)

Social Media and The Toll of Caring
(Pew Research Center, 15 Jan 2015)

Hither is the actual study from Pew, every bit discussed by PBS (above). In fact, it may atomic number 82 to a somewhat different accept-away than the PBS article, with a major finding suggesting benefits from this sharing, particularly amid females - consequent with the sometime adage that when stressed, 'men walk, women talk'. The ii major findings: (1) "Overall, frequent internet and social media users do not have higher levels of stress. In fact, for women, the contrary is true for at least some digital technologies...." (2) "At the same fourth dimension, the data testify there are circumstances nether which the social apply of digital engineering science increases awareness of stressful events in the lives of others. Especially for women, this greater sensation is tied to college levels of stress". A complex interaction, and so information technology seems.

Is Applied science Making People Less Sociable?
(Wall Street Journal, 11 May 2015)

On one hand, there is evidence to suggest that 'everybody has gone social', with a recent Pew Research study noting that 45% of (adult) U.S. Facebook users are on that platform multiple times throughout each day. Doesn't that illustrate how the wave of 'social', 'friends', and 'FB sharing' has made us all hyper-continued, part of the same decorated 'social' hive? Not necessarily, says Larry Rosen and others. What is our definition of (meaningful) social interaction, and is it the aforementioned definition as Facebook and their corporate sycophants would offer? Is 'social' just a 'virtual kind of matter', and 'friends' merely trophies or adornments to add to one's 'timeline' (nee wall) alongside cat memes and one's selfie of the day? Surely there are positives and negatives, within the tsunami of 'everybody doing it'. As Rosen notes: "Connecting Virtually Isn't Like Existent-Globe Bonding". It may be 'like', simply dissimilar!

Is the addiction to devices intentional 'behavioral engineering'?

Quondam Google Production Philosopher Thinks Technology Is Purposely Addictive
realclearlife.com, 27 October 2016

Psychologists know the power of 'variable reinforcement' - offer an occasional reward and it keeps one motivated to keep trying for more. Marketing pros know the ability of 'sticky' and branding, etc. Hither "Google Ex-Google production philosopher Tristan Harris calls his smartphone "a slot car in [his] pocket", extending that metaphor. Viewing the reinforcers equally things like number of friends, 'likes', retweets etc., just take a look around you at a restaurant, on the streets, in offices and schools. Can anyone resist the non-cease, intentionally-designed-to-be-addictive lure of our beloved devices?

See also:

Fourth dimension Well Spent

This non-profit organization illuminates some of the programming 'tricks' employed by Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and 'mainstream media' (East.g., constant 'breaking news'), designed to capture our e'er-dwindling attending and focus. There'southward besides a movement you can join to raise awareness and try to influence the 'pushers' of addictive habits to modify their scorched-earth arroyo to demanding all our attention, all the time.

Your phone is trying to control your life
PBS NewsHour, 30 January 2017

And the vast majority of people in many regions and all walks of life - even a new President - continue to be unable to 'put it down'. Something easy to detect as a social scientist, all of everyday life now seems more than oriented towards never-ending 'information' streaming in to our screens of all sizes, at all times of solar day & night. It is also articulate that Facebook etc. have teams working very difficult to deliberately brand their page 'sticky' plenty to hold eyeballs in that location - and in that location lone, as the identify for 'social', 'news', 'memories', and living one's 'timeline'. This excellent slice explores the story behind the mass-hypnotizing/influencing of consumers to exist constantly connected to apps (and their containers). Fascinating.

Why Social Media Isn't Ever Very Social
NPR, ii May 2017

"Studies prove that people who spend more time on social media sites feel more than socially isolated than those who don't...". Except that other studies and situations find people finding support and connection where at that place was none before. Chicken or egg was first? The word posits that the 'isolation' may reflect "a disconnect between our online lives and our real ones." Certainly there are whole new frontiers available, both for positive and negative. A skilful word slice.

Facebook is Broken
Techcrunch, 6 June 2017

"The problem is this: Facebook has go a feedback loop which tin can and does, despite its best intentions, become a brutal screw. At Facebook's scale, behavioral targeting doesn't just reflect our behavior, it actually influences it. Over time, a service which was supposed to connect humanity is really partitioning us into fractal disconnected bubbles."
[Encounter also

Buzzfeed'southward take on Facebook's campaign to engage/own our focus 24/7, dominating lives and at present extending into new means to appoint, like A.R.]

While Facebook is without doubt the most voracious of 'designed to be addictive' destinations online/on-device, where 'engagement' is the name of their game, conspicuously other popular sites are as concerned with capturing clicks and return visits (or never-leaving 'addicts'). See the article on 'behavioral engineering' in a higher place. Non only Facebook is cleaved. Our attending and focus take been shattered too!

Technology and net addiction: How to recognize information technology and recover from it
Comparitech, June 2017

This is much more than a folio for people seeking treatment; it is a very wide and deep reference, a compilation of academic and popular-media studies near the broad range of online and/or device-centered 'addictions'. The site offers definitions, a bit of history (mostly recent), many multi-media features (E.thou., videos), as well as several avenues to explore if seeking treatment (which they do not offer themselves and which neither they nor I specifically 'endorse') There is a great deal of data hither, and information technology is a good companion to this page and also to the multi-media syllabi from my ain

"Context and Perspective" lectures in Moscow (2014) and at DeviceDevotion.com Cyberpsychology, Internet addiction, and How Accelerating Implementation of Applied science Volition Modify Our Lives
ITMO, 28 June 2017

A new presentation by my respected Russian colleague, Alexander Voiskunsky, who focuses on psychology as information technology relates to 'daily life'. Here he looks at 'cyberpsychology' as but one focus area, and goes on to explore aspects of how lives are now shaped increasingly by applied science, from children'southward interests and social advice to new areas such as virtural reality. An international perspective (Russian federation and beyond). This is in Russian but translates easily and fairly well via Google, etc. [You'll note some curious translations but understand, such as with 'kiberpsihologii'.]

What Your Facebook 'Likes' Say About You
Business Insider, 29 Sept 2017 "Computers using Facebook 'likes' may be assessing your personality amend than your friends — and researchers warned this could exist misused". Want to #DeleteFacebook? You lot Tin Endeavor
New York Times, 21 March 2018

"In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, in which information from over 50 one thousand thousand Facebook profiles was secretly scraped and mined for voter insights, many Facebook users have decided to delete their accounts — just untangling yourself from a site similar Facebook is not as easy as pressing 'delete.'" - source. And it's non but difficult or incommunicable (in the U.S., anyhow) to remove prior online data, but psychologically it may be as difficult equally ending a face-to-face relationship, or unabridged lifestyle, or membership in a popular community.

How to Fix Facebook The New Yorker 24 March 2018

Fast forward past the 2022 U.South. election and a year of controversy, reality-show 'governance', and nonstop mainstream and Play tricks/Twitter distraction. In March 2022 the ongoing Russian hacking enterprise is now focused on voter psychograms used past Bannon et al at Cambridge Analytica, and the continuous trend of Facebook violating basic and consent-decree privacy assurances, as millions of users 'voluntarily' (or unwittingly) handed over personal and friends/family unit contact info to Farmville and myriad '3rd party apps' all benefitting from the business model of 'like and share constantly, never leave, and don't wait here every bit we farm your data and sell it to all bidders'. Corporations are re-thinking the symbiotic relationship. Advertisers? Maybe. Legislators? Not so amused. Here'southward an overview from some experts.

Jaron Lanier's Statement For Gtting Off Facebook
PBS/"Making Sen$east", 17 May 2018

Author, composer and figurer scientist Jaron Lanier has long been an opponent of privacy invasion and data-mining every bit a business model. 5 years after another interview on the topic (video above) - his focus goes beyond Facebook, which, along with Google is a chief engine of 'social marketing'. Twitter is in the mix too. His book is titled "10 Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts". Hither Lanier describes how the constant stream of 'annoying simply compelling' memes and messaging is intentionally designed to addict, and generally without 'informed consent'. Here is an extract of his May 2022 interview with PBS economics Correspondent Paul Solman.

Full Segment Transcript (and links to other aspects such as FB, social applied science, and'fake news'):

Why we should be more similar cats than dogs when information technology comes to social media

[For more than on the larger miracle of our extreme, non-stop 'device devotion' in general, visit:

devicedevotion.com ] How Facebook got addicted to spreading misinformation
MIT Technology Review, eleven March 2021 "The company'due south AI algorithms gave it an insatiable habit for lies and hate speech communication. At present the man who built them can't prepare the problem." Review: Why Facebook can never fix itself
MIT Technology Review, 21 July, 2021 A synopsis of this investigative journaism in book form: "In An Ugly Truth, reporters Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang reveal Facebook's fundamental flaws through a detailed account of its years between two US elections." The Facebook Papers
Associated Press (AP), October 2021 "The Facebook Papers represents a unique collaboration between 17 American news organizations, including The Associated Press."
Post-obit voluminous information and inquiry regarding Facebook's business model, algorithms, and facilitation of horrid events in the U.Southward. and internationally, here is an update on what has been revealed through Fall 2021, including through testimony and employee reports. This AP compendium is amid other in-depth reporting on this resource folio. The Facebook Papers: What you need to know about the trove of insider documents
NPR, 25 October, 2021

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Lastly, what about the concerns, say, of Human Resources and security/privacy/addiction professionals?
Hither is a wonderfully insightful, yet timely, and funny 6-minute (animated, digitalesque) video, highlighting several interesting points and counterpoints: Close My Facebook Account, Delight .

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Please note that my inclusion of recent media articles about the topic of Facebook addiction and related aspects of social networking life, does not necessarily mean that I agree with the details, "spin" (characterization), or ideas as presented past those independent researchers and reporters. Except for my own article which appears in a higher place - earlier the listing of news items - these reference links are meant as "talking points" or "grist for the manufacturing plant" to invite discussion and further research. Current TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY : CYBERPSYCHOLOGY Device Devotion "Facebook Addiction" Online Therapy : Myths and Realities | Technical Problems

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