One specific type of Internet Addiction that emerged recently was Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD). Facebook, the largest social networking site created by Mark Zuckerberg, had over one billion active users as of September 2012. Having a profile is the first step to Facebook Addiction Disorder!
Some noticeable signs of FAD
Click Here to enjoy a free Facebook Addiction test. Please note that the results on this test are purely indicative. So, do not take it as a serious diagnosis.
1) Impression Management
Impression Management is how people form, maintain and enhance their social identities to reach one's goal and influence other’s perception on them (Piwinger & Ebert, 2001, as cited in Sharma & Sharma, 2012). People’s addiction to Facebook arises because of the need to constantly maintain that ideal or perfect impression. It appears that we present different aspects of ourselves depending on where we are and whom we are with (Goffman, 1959). This is why we shape our impression based on the user’s desired audience.
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2) Mere exposure effect
Mere exposure effect is when we start to develop good feelings towards an object that is expose to us frequently. Facebook is good at marketing and advertising because it is visible everywhere. This is why you pay good money for Facebook Ads.
3) Conformity
One would choose to conform and change his behavior just because everybody does it or because it is very evident in our society. Since almost everybody has a Facebook account, you would also like to have one because you want to be a part the “in” crowd.
Conclusion
Facebook has truly become a global phenomenon and social factors paved way to its emergence. Furthermore, it led to many cases of Facebook addiction and cyber crimes. Therefore, we should try our best to become responsible users, know our limits and control ourselves to not lose sight of our priorities!
References
Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. New York: Doubleday. Retrieved from http://monoskop.org/images/1/19/Goffman_Erving_The_Presentation_of_Self_in_Everyday_Life.pdf
Sharma, A., & Sharma, A. (2012). Impression management works in career success! : Myth or reality? International Journal of Research in Social Sciences, 2(3), 350-368. Retrieved from http://www.ijmra.us/project%20doc/IJRSS_AUGUST2012/IJMRA-RSS1728.pdf
Yeah, the picture depicting a Facebook addict is funny but this is basically what happens. Logging out is the hardest thing to do and this is why we do not log out but stay logged in. We are afraid of loneliness even though we say we are lone wolves and such. Facebook addiction will help you out.
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