Facebook Depression: A New Teen Ailment
Social Networking Disease
I just read an article in a local newspaper about a new teen ailment brought on by social networking on sites such as "Facebook." The ailment is termed "Facebook Depression." This seemingly innocent and fun hobby is leading to a very real depressive disorder. Teens like to visit with their friends and keep track on what is going on by following social networks. There appears to be a quickly growing number of kids obsessing over these site. They are heading down a dangerous path.
"Facebook Depression" is a new problem that The American Academy of Pediatrics is warning parents about. The condition results from teens being bombarded with things like status updates, friend tallies, photos of happy couples having good times when they themselves are not.
Teens like Elizabeth Kisch, a local high school student reports: "If I'm just like sad or something and just kind of chillin' at home and I see pictures of people having a party I'm like oh that's awesome...like I'm not there...That's kind of depressing"
Dr. Ken Ensroth, a child and adolescent psychiatrist says "It's very easy to compare yourself to others when you just see what they show on their Facebook page which may or may not match reality." He believes that the social networking sites alone don't cause depression, but if a teen already has a shaky self-esteem the sites can further damage it. Some teens perceive the sites as a popularity contest.
Ensroth goes on to say, "There's a real emphasis in some aspects of it...status...there's even a category...your status." He points out that much of what is posted on social networking sites isn't reality, but for many teens, the social networking world becomes THEIR reality.
Parents need to watch their teens for signs they're not happy. Talk to them, ask them questions. Many excuses like stomach aches, headaches, low energy, fatigue, problems sleeping and excuses like 'I'm sick I don't want to go to school' are warning signs of depression.
For most teens, social networking is a positive experience but for many it can become a tangled troubled web.
Dr. Ensroth also points out that there are many positive aspects of Facebook and other similar sites like bringing teens together and giving them a place to share and connect. These sites also can help teens feel included when they don't otherwise feel that way.
Moderation in all things is the answer to enjoying social networking sites as well as most everything in life. Parents need to be alert and regularly oversee what their kids are doing online. One thing parents could do is consider using an online family use plan that lays out a set of family rules for online use. Here are two things that should be implemented as family rules: Nobody uses tech at the table and kids go online only once they have finished their homework.
Parents also need to sharpen their tech skills. If your child has a Facebook account, you need one too and definitely friend your child.
SOURCES:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42298789/ns/health-mental_health/t/docs-warn-about-teens-facebook-depression/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/223517/arent_we_all_suffering_from_facebook_depression.html
"Facebook Depression" is a new problem that The American Academy of Pediatrics is warning parents about. The condition results from teens being bombarded with things like status updates, friend tallies, photos of happy couples having good times when they themselves are not.
Teens like Elizabeth Kisch, a local high school student reports: "If I'm just like sad or something and just kind of chillin' at home and I see pictures of people having a party I'm like oh that's awesome...like I'm not there...That's kind of depressing"
Dr. Ken Ensroth, a child and adolescent psychiatrist says "It's very easy to compare yourself to others when you just see what they show on their Facebook page which may or may not match reality." He believes that the social networking sites alone don't cause depression, but if a teen already has a shaky self-esteem the sites can further damage it. Some teens perceive the sites as a popularity contest.
Ensroth goes on to say, "There's a real emphasis in some aspects of it...status...there's even a category...your status." He points out that much of what is posted on social networking sites isn't reality, but for many teens, the social networking world becomes THEIR reality.
Parents need to watch their teens for signs they're not happy. Talk to them, ask them questions. Many excuses like stomach aches, headaches, low energy, fatigue, problems sleeping and excuses like 'I'm sick I don't want to go to school' are warning signs of depression.
For most teens, social networking is a positive experience but for many it can become a tangled troubled web.
Dr. Ensroth also points out that there are many positive aspects of Facebook and other similar sites like bringing teens together and giving them a place to share and connect. These sites also can help teens feel included when they don't otherwise feel that way.
Moderation in all things is the answer to enjoying social networking sites as well as most everything in life. Parents need to be alert and regularly oversee what their kids are doing online. One thing parents could do is consider using an online family use plan that lays out a set of family rules for online use. Here are two things that should be implemented as family rules: Nobody uses tech at the table and kids go online only once they have finished their homework.
Parents also need to sharpen their tech skills. If your child has a Facebook account, you need one too and definitely friend your child.
SOURCES:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42298789/ns/health-mental_health/t/docs-warn-about-teens-facebook-depression/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/223517/arent_we_all_suffering_from_facebook_depression.html
Published by Doreen Bradley Satter, RN
DOREEN BRADLEY SATTER, RN is a mostly-retired Registered Nurse, Artist, Published Author and Freelance Writer and has been writing for the Yahoo! Contributor Network for several years. She has one published... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentInteresting subject--I think the world is changing rapidly and the impact will be far reaching in both positive and negative directions. It is good you bring awareness to this issue.
I believe that it is not only the teens, but adults too.
Good article and an important issue.
The information here should be helpful to parents with teens. It's scary to realize that such things as facebook can encourage depression. Thanks for the info.