Facebook Makes Us Happier & More Creative

What’s the Latest Development?

New scientific research published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, suggests that Facebook makes us happier and more creative individuals. In three-minute intervals, thirty healthy people were each treated to a relaxing slide show, a mathematics exam and their own Facebook account. Throughout the nine minutes, scientists measured “several physiological processes, such as brain-wave activity, blood flow, pulse, respiration and pupil dilation, and other tests that indicated changes in mood and stress.”

What’s the Big Idea?

It is no surprise that people enjoyed being on Facebook more than watching a slideshow or taking a math exam but researchers also found that Facebook facilitated a positive shift in users’ moods. “The effect of Facebook points to what the authors refer to as the ‘broaden and build’ theory of positive emotions.” The theory suggests that positive emotion results in more creativity and the creation of stronger social bonds, both of which can be called upon to help us survive and cope during difficult personal times.

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