Understanding Online Social Networking in Terms of Mental Health: A Boon or Bane?

Abstract

Online social networking is a fastest growing medium for connecting people with each other defying the physical barrier. The social networking can be a good support system to some of its users and help them get over their fear and anxieties of social interaction. Despite that it has a great potential for developing into an addicting behavior and this addicting behavior has similar implication as any chemical dependence syndrome. There is research which suggests that self esteem and personality of the users determine the way an individual uses the online social networking and it is suggested that use of social networking sites may be associated with depression. The link between depression and online social networking is complex and requires further study. Online social networking is a thing which has to cause as well as prevent mental health emergencies such as deliberate self harm and suicide. It is a tool which needs to be handled carefully and can be rewarding if done so.