Looking At Your Facebook Photos Can Improve Your Mental Health [STUDY]

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Finally, Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) does have some beneficial effects on your health. A study by Dr. Alice Good of University of Portsmouth, reveals that looking at your own past Facebook photos and wall posts could make you feel happy.

The paper, “Looking Back On Facebook Content And The Positive Impact On Well-being: Exploring Reminiscing As A Tool For Self Soothing” will be presented at HCI International conference in Las Vegas in July 2013.

Looking At Your Facebook Photos Can Improve Your Mental Health [STUDY]

The team of scientists led by Dr. Good explored the effects of various Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) user activities on their well-being. A total 144 Facebook users were surveyed. 75 percent of them said they check their old photos and wall posts when they are feeling low to get a sense of comfort. It makes people feel really happy.

The research also found that people suffering mental health issues felt relaxed by visiting the site. Looking at photos that are reminders of happier moments, which Dr. Good calls reminiscent therapy, can be an effective way to treat mental health. The Daily Express says that such activities are being used to treat patients with memory problems, depression and anxiety.

Dr. Good’s study directly contradicts with tons of past research demonstrating that Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) could actually be bad for your mental health.

A few days ago, a OnePoll survey found that people lie frequently on the social networking site to create a fake image that they are living a good life. Though it shows them in good light to their online friends, it hampers their self confidence.

Another study conducted by two German universities a few months ago reveals that using Facebook could trigger feelings of misery, loneliness and envy in users. When people read status updates and see photos of their friends’ happy work lives, vacations, and good relationships. In fact, 33 percent of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) users felt less satisfied with their life after visiting the site.

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