550 Danes didn’t use Facebook for 1 week
The study involved 1095 Danes. Half of them were asked not to use Facebook for 1 week.
Happiness Research Institute conducted the study
The 2015 study was done at the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark. It was published on their website.
Almost all participants used Facebook every day
94% of participants reported using Facebook each day.
‘Non stop great news channel’
The Institute called social media a non stop great news channel whose edited posts distort our perception of reality. See also why is Facebook so addictive
Test group reported greater life satisfaction after 1 week
The group without Facebook reported a higher level of life satisfaction after one week.
Facebook users are more jealous
50% of Facebook users envied the #amazing posts. 30% envied #happy posts and 40% envied the #success posts others made. (See Why do people become jealous of others?)
Test group reported better concentration
The group without Facebook reported having an easier time concentrating.
Frequent Facebook users are more stressed
People who used Facebook frequently were 55% more likely to feel stressed. (See The body language signs of stress)
Test group felt less time was wasted
After 1 week, the group without Facebook felt they wasted their time less.
Facebook users focus too much on what others have
The researchers conclude that instead of focusing on what we actually need, we have an unfortunate tendency to focus on what other people have.
Study Summary: Facebook makes you unhappy and jealous
