A new research by researchers at Edge Hill University has found that interacting with friends and family via social media can improve a person’s psychological wellbeing.
According to the research people who spent a significant amount of the time displayed high levels of confidence and less feelings of loneliness.
Contrary to other researchers linking social media with increased levels of anxiety and depression and what has been tagged as Facebook, this new study.
Using less social media than you normally would lead to significant decreases in both depression and loneliness,” said study author Melissa Hunt.
“These effects are particularly pronounced for folks who were more depressed when they came into the study.”
With 200 social media users involved in the study, Dr Kaye had the following to say
“Specifically, the findings show how including factors relating to social bonding capital is highly pertinent within this field as a way of understanding how technology usage relates to psychological wellbeing,” said Dr Kaye.
“It gives rise to the notion that social technology such as WhatsApp may stimulate existing relationships and opportunities for communication, thereby enhancing aspects of the users’ positive wellbeing.”