Does Facebook Have Generally Positive Psychological Effects? (Essay Sample)

Does Facebook Have Generally Positive Psychological Effects?
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Facebook is one of the social networks having millions of users. It is a part of life in most people and people can get much information about someone by looking at the Facebook profile. It includes their likes, dislikes, friends, address, phone number, relationship status among other things. It has also improved the way people converse with each other and how they perceive themselves and the world. There are benefits and shortcomings of using Facebook as one of the social networks
It helps in keeping in touch with friends and family who live far away. It is because of its instant messaging and video chat. Some people regard it as a perfect way of staying connected. The profile information, status updates and photos keep one updated on the happenings of friends and families. Moreover, makes meeting new friends exceedingly easy because one can add as many friends as he likes. Nier claims that many people find it easier to start a conversation with someone online than in real life situations (1997). Most of the high school relationships tend to start in Facebook conversations. It also makes it extremely easier for individuals to express themselves through simple status updates. Research shows that it is not easier to feel embarrassed over the social network than in person.
Teenagers who spend more time on Facebook show an improved virtual empathy to their friends on the same social network. It also helps introverted adolescents to associate freely with their friends to overcome shyness. At times, Facebook provides a tool for teaching in captivating ways which engage students (Nier, 2007). Students can join pages and groups that are educative in nature, such pages contain specific information on several topics. Moreover, it has the latest news about current issues and this increases the general knowledge of an individual.
According to Nier (2007) Facebook can act as a thriving ground for cyber bullying. Many people may gang up against an individual and they can say anything about someone since they are not monitored. It has also ruined various relationships by causing break ups in couples. It also causes distraction since anyone can start a chat when someone is not ready for it. Much time is wasted by students who chat and look at various pages on Facebook. Moreover, it causes insecurity since it may expose sensitive information about someone. People can compare themselves with others due to the information available on someone’s profile.
As a social netwo...