Could using Facebook and Twitter be bad for your mental health? Show Notes

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 Host(s): Dr. Bill Maier

Could using Facebook and Twitter cause you to feel more anxious and less confident?   Maybe so.

Researchers in England studied a group of regular social media users. They found that many people seem unable to ignore the demands of their electronic gadgets. 

In fact, they found the only way to get a break from them was to switch them off.

More than half of the people surveyed said use of social media sites had changed their behavior, with half of those saying the impact had been negative.

Those who said their lives were worsened by social media reported feeling less confident after comparing their achievements against those of their online friends.

Two thirds of respondents said they had difficulty relaxing and sleeping after using the sites.

And over half of those surveyed said they felt "worried or uncomfortable" when they couldn't get onto their social media or email accounts.

Although there can be many positive uses for Facebook and Twitter, it seems clear that we need to be cautious and wise about how social media impacts our thinking, our behavior and our relationships.

A great book on this topic is “Unfriend Yourself,” by pastor and social media expert Kyle Tenant.  I recently interviewed Kyle, and he takes a thoughtful, biblical approach to social media use. He also challenges Christians to use social media for good, instead of allowing it to drag them down.

I'm Bill Maier for WBCL.
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