Sad-FaceBook

Researchers say social media is affecting the way we look at friendship and intimacy.

The American Life project reported that the typical teenager has 300 Facebook friends and 79 Twitter followers

Photograph: Steven Garfield

And Some have many more.

Photograph: Jason Howie

Patricia Greenfield, a UCLA developmental psychologist, indicates how kids are choosing efficiency of connection above intimacy of connection.

Photograph: Eric Flexyourhead

Studies calculate teens send more than 3,000 monthly

Photograph: Boyet Ignacio

Greenfield found having large networks of online friends creates a sense of social stability and support for young people, even if they never see these friends face-to-face.

Photograph: Luc Legay

"We found in our study that people, college students, are not getting a sense of social support from being on the phone. They're getting social support through bigger networks and having a sense that their audience is large.“

- Greenfield

Photograph: Tanja Scherm

"The whole idea behind intimacy is self-disclosure. Now they're doing self-disclosure to an audience of hundreds.“

- Greenfield

Additional research at UCLA shows texting is becoming the increasingly preferred method of communication while decreasing the connection and bonding experienced in face-to-face communication.

Photograph: Robert Lang

Lauren Sherman’s studies indicate the more the interaction is similar to in-person conversation, the more emotional connection experienced.

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Greenfield says this phenomenon results in a decline of intimate friendships. Instead, personal support and affirmation is derived from "likes" and response to their postings.

Photograph: Macallee King

But what if no one likes you?

Photograph: Sean MacEntee

“Facebook and other social media may contribute to depression in three ways—bullying, comparison with others, and influencing self-worth” - Brent L. Fletcher, mental health therapist

Photograph: Nicolegarrish

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported,

FACEBOOK DEPRESSION may transpire from users viewing status updates, wall posts, and photos that make them feel unpopular or inadequate.

Photograph: Danny Suilivan

“Social media depression“ describes thoughts associated with depression from emotions that transcend the keyboard created by comparison and rejection.

Photograph: Nabil Rizvi

Using social media may not always be good for us by creating many negative emotions , including sadness.

And loneliness

Photograph: Cyberliquid

How do you determine your worth?