A new study from the American Academy of Pediatrics says Facebook might send teens who have a tendency toward mood disorders into depression. Researchers call it (none too originally) “Facebook depression,” and they don’t know whether it’s an extension of an already existing condition or a unique disorder.
In any case, they claim Facebook’s friend counts, witty status updates and photos of shiny, happy people doing all manner of exciting things can make some teens feel worse about their own circumstances. After all, acne, awkwardness, looming college pressures and finding your identity are hard enough to grapple with without comparing yourself to the success and happiness that peers seem to be achieving.
The key word there is “seem.” But it’s our fallen human nature—whether you’re 15 or 85—to size up your social condition against that of others. And since social media completely omit gestures, facial expressions and context, Facebook offers only a skewed perspective of life that a teen might not be able to distinguish.
So how can a parent help a child navigate social media’s occasionally churning waters? Being aware that Facebook can make life feel like a massive popularity contest is a start. And having a talk about self-worth and uniqueness in Christ is never a bad idea—even before your teen starts using social networking sites. Verses such as Galatians 6:4 and Romans 12:6-8 could help bolster both discussion and flagging spirits. And on the bright side, Facebook can also help to foster a sense of social connectedness if a teen has a healthy sense of self.
“Facebook is where all the teens are hanging out now. It’s their corner store,” lead study author Dr. Gwenn O’Keefe told MSNBC. Indeed. And helping them swim effectively in its sea of potential positives and negatives is key.
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