Using online social networks can adversely affect a person’s well-being by reducing their self-control, according to a new study published in the American scientific journal Consumer Research. But similar Internet services also have a good side, the report says. They help a person to increase their own self-esteem.
Specialists Kate Wilcox from the University of Columbia and Andrew Stefan from the University of Pittsburgh in the USA, who led the study, say: "Social networks have a positive effect on people who regularly use them, increasing their self-esteem, and therefore their self-confidence. But approaching the issue more deeply , we found that an excessive sense of dignity in some cases can adversely affect a person, and, in particular, his behavior .. A short-term increase in self-esteem can temporarily change people's views on their surroundings e, which can manifest itself in many different forms, ranging from rash acts and ending with arrogance. "
In their report, the authors also cited several interesting relationships identified during the study. For example, experts found that avid users of the social networks examined on the example of Facebook had a low credit score, a higher level of credit card debt, a higher body mass index, because they ate junk food more often.
“Given that self-control is an important factor for personal well-being and maintaining public order in general, the subtle effect that all online social networks have, without exception, can have global implications. This is more true for adolescents and young people who today It seems the main audience of Internet services for communication "- conclude scientists.
