Facebook affects thoughts about self, body, study says
Posted Apr 3, 2012 3:03 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A new study has found using Facebook affects the way many people feel about their bodies.
A total of 51 per cent of respondents to the U.S. Centre for Eating Disorders study said seeing photos of themselves and others on the social networking site makes them more conscious about their body and weight.
Thirty-two per cent said they feel sad when they compare photos of themselves to those of their friends. The study’s lead author said the site makes it easier for people to spend time and energy criticizing their own bodies, while wishing they looked like someone else.
One way to interrupt the negativity: the author suggests visiting “body positive” Facebook pages.
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