Facebook users 'are insecure, narcissistic and have low self-esteem'

Mail Online just came out with an article the other day saying that people who check their facebook often are narcissistic, insecure, and have a lower self-esteem. When I first read this I thought this was a very harsh and bold statement, but the more I thought and read about it, it started to make more sense. The author described checking facebook and changing things on it as looking in the mirror. The article also said, "Facebook provides an ideal setting for narcissists to monitor their appearance and how many ‘friends’ they have, as it allows them to thrive on ‘shallow’ relationships while avoiding genuine warmth and empathy." It later goes on to say that some people use facebook to promote themselves to others, and make themselves look good to people they don't even know, but would like to know. I mean when you think about it sometimes the only reason you post something is because you want someone else to read it, think of you differently, or even make yourself look good. Don't think that I am being judgmental, I am saying these things because sometimes I am guilty of them too.

Researcher Soraya Mehdizadeh from York University in Canada issued a test to 100 students (50 male, 50 female) that studied their facebook tendencies. The test asked questions that measured their need for admiration, and how much they tend to promote themselves, and it also asked them how often they were on facebook, and sure enough those who spent more time on facebook scored higher in the narcissism section of the test. One interesting fact that they found when it comes to the promoting of oneself is men tend to promote themselves through the post they submit, while women promote themselves by the pictures they put up. I thought this was very interesting, and when you think about it very much true.

Now before you all think I am crazy, I do want to say that I am not saying that I agree with everything this article says. I just thought it was a eye opener and interesting, and that you all would like to read it. I know for myself sometimes I find myself on facebook way too much, and that I could be doing much better things with my time. A scary thought that a friend once brought to my attention was how most of us probably spend more time a week on facebook, twitter, or espn etc., then we do in God's word or prayer. Is this ever a problem for you? I know sometimes it is for me.