Facebook has struck back against scientific researchers and tech industry insiders who have criticized the world's biggest social media network and its competitors for transforming how people behave and express emotion. Facebook, in a corporate blog post, said that social media can be good for people's well-being if they use the technology in a way that is active, such as messaging with friends, rather than passive, such as scrolling through a feed of other people's posts.
It said 'our research and other academic literature suggest that it’s about how you use social media that matters when it comes to your well-being.' What it called 'compelling research' on the negative effects of social media and cited two such academic studies. The company said, though, that those studies are 'not the whole story.' It went on to cite other studies suggesting that the dangers of social media may be exaggerated, and that it has potential benefits if used correctly.
'We employ social psychologists, social scientists and sociologists, and we collaborate with top scholars to better understand well-being and work to make Facebook a place that contributes in a positive way,' said the blog post, written by Facebook Research Director David Ginsberg and Research Scientist Moira Burke.
'According to the research, it really comes down to how you use the technology. 'For example, on social media, you can passively scroll through posts, much like watching TV, or actively interact with friends - messaging and commenting on each other’s posts. 'Just like in person, interacting with people you care about can be beneficial, while simply watching others from the sidelines may make you feel worse.'
- Source: Dailymail
