Study: Does Quitting Facebook Lead To A Happier Life?
DENMARK (CBS) – Researchers in Denmark conducted a study in which they asked one group of people to not use Facebook for one week, while another group continued using it as they normally would.
Of the participants in the study, 94 percent said they used the social media site daily; 86 percent browse their news feed often or very often; 78 percent use Facebook for 30 minutes or more per day; 61 percent say they prefer to post their "good side," and 69 percent prefer to post the "great things" they experience.
After a week, researchers asked the two groups to evaluate their lives.
Researchers say the group who did not use Facebook reported a significantly higher level of life satisfaction, and said they felt happier and less sad and lonely.
The study found 88 percent of those who took a break said they are happy, compared to 81 percent who did not stop using it.
Forty-one percent of those who took a break said they are worried, compared to 54 percent who continued using the site.
Eighty-four percent of participants who took a break said they enjoy life, compared to 75 percent of those who did not take a break.
People on Facebook are 55 percent more likely to feel stressed, according to the study.
The Happiness Research Institute says, "Social media is a nonstop great news channel. A constant flow of edited lives which distorts our perception of reality."
More than 1,000 people participated in the study.