US

Is Facebook Dangerous for Teenagers? Doctors Say Maybe

Is Facebook Dangerous for Teenagers? Doctors Say MaybeCHICAGO (AP) — Add “Facebook depression” to potential harms linked with social media, an influential doctors’ group warns, referring to a condition it says may affect troubled teens who obsess over the online site.

Researchers disagree on whether it’s simply an extension of depression some kids feel in other circumstances, or a distinct condition linked with using the online site.

But there are unique aspects of Facebook that can make it a particularly tough social landscape to navigate for kids already dealing with poor self-esteem, said Dr. Gwenn O’Keeffe, a Boston-area pediatrician and lead author of new American Academy of Pediatrics social media guidelines.

With in-your-face friends’ tallies, status updates and photos of happy-looking people having great times, Facebook pages can make some kids feel even worse if they think they don’t measure up.

It can be more painful than sitting alone in a crowded school cafeteria or other real-life encounters that can make kids feel down, O’Keeffe said, because Facebook provides a skewed view of what’s really going on. Online, there’s no way to see facial expressions or read body language that provide context.

The guidelines urge pediatricians to encourage parents to talk with their kids about online use and to be aware of Facebook depression, cyberbullying, sexting and other online risks. They were published online Monday in Pediatrics.

Abby Abolt, 16, a Chicago high school sophomore and frequent Facebook user, says the site has never made her feel depressed, but that she can understand how it might affect some kids.

“If you really didn‘t have that many friends and weren’t really doing much with your life, and saw other peoples’ status updates and pictures and what they were doing with friends, I could see how that would make them upset,” she said.

“It’s like a big popularity contest — who can get the most friend requests or get the most pictures tagged,” she said.

Also, it‘s common among some teens to post snotty or judgmental messages on the Facebook walls of people they don’t like, said Gaby Navarro, 18, a senior from Grayslake, Ill. It’s happened to her friends, and she said she could imagine how that could make some teens feel depressed.

“Parents should definitely know” about these practices,” Navarro said. “It’s good to raise awareness about it.”

The academy guidelines note that online harassment “can cause profound psychosocial outcomes,” including suicide. The widely publicized suicide of a 15-year-old Massachusetts girl last year occurred after she’d been bullied and harassed, in person and on Facebook.

“Facebook is where all the teens are hanging out now. It’s their corner store,” O’Keeffe said.

She said the benefits of kids using social media sites like Facebook shouldn’t be overlooked, however, such as connecting with friends and family, sharing pictures and exchanging ideas.

“A lot of what’s happening is actually very healthy, but it can go too far,” she said.

Dr. Megan Moreno, a University of Wisconsin adolescent medicine specialist who has studied online social networking among college students, said using Facebook can enhance feelings of social connectedness among well-adjusted kids, and have the opposite effect on those prone to depression.

Parents shouldn’t get the idea that using Facebook “is going to somehow infect their kids with depression,” she said.

___

Online:

American Academy of Pediatric: http://www.aap.org

Comments (62)

1 2
  • Juliana
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 1:23pm

    However, I do agree that using Facebook more than 10 minutes a day is sad-a waste of time, creativity, so on. I didn’t use my account for a month and I lived. Encourage your kids to try it for a couple of weeks. They can take a breath and when they return to it (IF they return to it) they will see things through fresh eyes

    Report Post »  
  • alexegz30
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 1:17pm

    “Influential Doctor’s Group” Each time I hear a vague description like that, it just makes me think of some fake experts with some political agenda. Once you look at who these people are, you find out they are neither experts or any kind of practicing doctors at all. Likely, just a group cashing a paycheck for manipulated results.

    Next: Why money makes you anti-American.

    Report Post »  
  • Juliana
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 1:11pm

    Ugh. (Roll of the eyes) Socially insecure kids will feel all this no matter where they go. If they don‘t feel their smiles are quite as big as their friends’ in pictures…I think very few kids would dwell on such things. I don’t know anybody who compares their lives with others. You simply can not accurately judge the quality of someone’s life by a few status updates and pictures. Teenagers may be emotional, but they’re not stupid.

    Report Post »  
  • katiefrankie
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 1:02pm

    One of many problems with FB is that it presents a world that is overwhelmingly false. Just like any “reality show” on tv (shudder), FB is carefully crafted to show only what we want it to show. Pictures, posts, favorites, etc. depict a world of excitement, glamor, success, and achievement – we show our best face to the world and conveniently omit the unpleasant details. I admittedly only post pictures that I feel look cute – I do NOT post the one where it looks like I’m having a stroke or like I styled my hair with an egg beater. I post the enjoyable weekend event, NOT the mundane torture of my day-to-day job or the fact that I didn’t get hired for this or that position, I haven’t lost weight, or I did something embarrassing. I don’t tell people of the evening I wasted reading things on my computer or that I have had to plunge the stupid toilet TWICE this weekend. I only include the beautiful, the interesting, the exciting, or the adventurous – snapshots of a life that is far more ordinary that pictures would suggest.

    That is the danger of Facebook – and not just for youth. (Okay, it’s one of many dangers.) We compare our boring and unfulfilling lives with someone else‘s meticulously groomed FB page which isn’t reality, then chalk ourselves up as failures. We need to get out and actually meet each other face-to-face honestly and get the whole picture, but unfortunately, the further we delve into a false cyberworld, the more our perception of reality will be distorted.

    Report Post » katiefrankie  
  • gb2
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 12:47pm

    i think facebook is dangerous for the world, side affects include murder, stalker/rapists, infidelity, underage sex solicitors, divorce, self embarrassment, promotion of riots which causes multiple deaths, works with federal government, ect…. what is good about this, it should be shut down…….

    Report Post »  
  • OkiePatriot
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:29am

    Just another cog in the progressive wheel.

    Report Post »  
  • democratgirl
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:20am

    “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4

    A portion of the book of Daniel was not to be understood “until the time of the end.” At the time of the end, many would run too and fro through the scriptures, comparing text with text, and understand these prophecies. We have reached that time, please start our Free Bible Prophecy course to learn more.

    The Bible also predicts a time when it will be too late to search the scriptures.

    “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst. Amos 8:11-13

    However, the good news is that some people will understand and be ready for the Lord when He returns. “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10

    The primary application of “knowledge increased” is in reference to people understanding the prophecies of the book of Daniel, however, many Bible scholars believe that this prophecy also applies to an increasing knowledge of science, medicine, travel, and technology.

    We are living in “The Information Age” making this sign seem even more obvious. Even the most skeptical mind must admit that knowledge is exploding in all directions. It is said that 80% percent of the world’s total knowledge has been brought forth in the last decade and that 90% percent of all the scientists who have ever lived are alive today.

    Report Post » ChildOfTheKing  
    • LeFaux Jew
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:37am

      And yes….for those who sacrifice and eat, they will deplete Gods creation for their hunger, and will steal and cheat for what is left.

      Report Post »  
  • satotbs
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:20am

    People, please beware! Any social networking, real or virtual has the potential to be dangerous. Every time you access the www no matter what device you are using your activities are being monitored and or recorded in some way. Yes even here or perhaps most especially sites like this. Ever notice how once you visit some site online even though they give you a grand statement of their privacy policy and even if you delete cookies and such, soon after your mailboxes are rife with associated items. Any parent that allows a minor unsupervised computer or web-enabled cell phone use is not acting responsibly, and under our nanny state frame of mind may soon come under “reckless endangerment laws”. Would you allow your child unlimited freedom to go anywhere, with anyone, at anytime? Probably not. How many more horror stories and heartbreaks will we have to endure before common sense kicks in? You put them in car-seats, and then make them buckle up. You keep your weapons and other potential harmful items under control. When did you decide that giving them the ability to interact with anyone and everyone was a good idea?

    Report Post » satotbs  
  • LeFaux Jew
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 10:44am

    In case anyone is interested…here is the AP story on FB;

    http://www.facebook.com/APNews

    Report Post »  
    • becksagoodguy
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 1:12pm

      Lefaux Jew…why, why, why have a link to facebook, now I’m depressed!!!

      Report Post » becksagoodguy  
  • Pezman
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 10:19am

    First it is clear that way too many people are losing the ability to properly interact with people on a one on one basis. Twitter, Facebook et al… contribute to this in a great way.
    Let me explain. About a year ago, a friend, a Professor with a Doctorate mentioned in an open ‘wall,‘ posting about how much ’love,‘ I was getting because of having over 650 ’friends.’ There are all types of games on facebook, that are primarily vechicles for ad campaigns, which use underhand techiniques of having you ‘friend,’ strangers so that you can attain higher levels in the game. I fell for this, and didn’t realize how problematic this was, until I read the question.
    I asked if they were serious, and this middle-aged, overeducated Professor said YES! I explained how ridiculous that was, and promplty removed all likes, games, non-friend ‘;friends etcc from my account. I now log in only once a week, in order to see if anyone is specifically trying to reach me. It is truly frightening that people can’t see the problems with this. MY kids have no such accounts, and have no interest in getting them. They use the phone to call friends, and get together with friends, avoiding those who frequest FB etal..

    Report Post »  
  • clinicalminded
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:58am

    Wow. Some really weird comments. Maybe I am on the wrong blog. Anyways, when you are on FB you are not active and will get fat. Second, people need social proximity and this is not the same as what FB provides. FB also hijacks the reward system similar to drugs, but at a far less intensity. Anything that one obsesses with is bad, anything done in excess has neurochemical consequences, and being too lazy to even use your cell phone, which is ALSO lazy and a problem is bad. Kids have virtual friends, fake farms, and spend all day inside glued to a computer. Welcome to the generation that will one day be responsible for our safety and finances.

    Report Post »  
  • ldpeters
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:55am

    Facebook isn’t dangerous…….but wait till former secretary Gibbs gets there. He’ll fix that!

    Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:35am

    Facebook is dangerous because the left will also use it to control the youth. It’s too bad that the system gave the left handouts for so many years, because you have effectively spoiled the child, and in so doing have shown them your face causing them to die in spirit and be ungrateful with them believing that your wealth of handouts is unlimited.

    Report Post »  
  • GatorPwn
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:31am

    I had a friend who claimed that he could retrieve a profile’s private pictures. The next day, he showed me… It was astounding. One simple URL could be a huge privacy leak. That was enough to send me packing.

    Report Post » GatorPwn  
  • BeYourOwnAdvocate
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:28am

    The fact of the matter is that depressed teenagers have lost interest in friends, dating and their future. Instead of trivializing depression and treating it like it is “all in their head” try reading the book: Overcoming Thyroid Disorders by David Brownstein, M.D. and have your teenager tested for Hypothyroidism. Don’t assume that depression is just a mental and not a physical disorder – being tested could save their life. A blood test with a result of anything over 2.0 should be considered outside the normal range and they should be treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication. If your child is suffering from any of the following symptoms – don’t just take them to see a psychiatrist – have their blood tested!!

    1.) Depression
    2.) Dry skin and hair
    3.) Fatigue and weight gain
    4.) Hair loss
    5.) Poor memory
    6.) Irritability
    7.) Cold intolerance
    8.) Brittle nails
    9.) Puffy eyes/face
    10.) Inability to concentrate

    These are just a few of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism. I suffered from severe depression as a teenager and had EVERY SINGLE ONE of the above symptoms and yet not a single doctor ever bothered testing me for this serious medical condition.

    Report Post »  
  • LeFaux Jew
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:14am

    Yeah…..Its just not the kids.
    I can remember that I was on a message forum once (which can be bad too), and someone who had an FB account had a very bad illness.
    When some asked if they could go on their account and send prayers…they were told they only wanted certain religious beliefs on the FB.

    Report Post »  
  • conservativemom99
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:06am

    duh.
    I told my non-facebook 16-year-old daughter over a year ago that facebook was a place to make up the life you wanted everyone to think you had…that no one’s page is 100% truth…they don‘t post the ugly photos or tell what’s REALLY going on…it‘s all embellished or lies by omission to make everyone who sees their page think they’ve got it all together or they’re having the most fun. She didn’t see the point of it so she decided not to join.

    I have yet to see the value of it…besides providing old flames the chance to reunite and ruin their marriages…(sarcastic)

    Report Post » conservativemom99  
    • Chicago Ray
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:22am

      That’s a great description, that‘s what the entirety of the ’social media and net dating and meeting scene’ consists of.

      In fact Hollywood’s just like it, one big fantasy playland and freak parade… sadly for the jailbirds, lunatics and pedophiles amongst us as well.just like life…. like nothing was learned from MYSPACE’s travails.

      That’s the US today, reactionary, never pre emptive aside from the sadly retired Bush Doctrine :(

      Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • EXLIB
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:54am

    I think by far Facebook is the worst thing to happen to our youth…ever! It is the perfect tool to be stalked by anybody. I once had a Facebook and realized that my life is an open book. I closed my Facebook account and felt safer and happier. I don’t need to know what others are thinking and doing every minute. I am trying to encourage my teen to get off Facebook. I truley believe it is bad. She is finally starting to realize that. I look forward to the day when Facebook is nothing more than a fad that disappears with other stupid ideas. Just SAY NO to Facebook!!

    Report Post »  
  • LeFaux Jew
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:37am

    Yeah….its dangerous for everyone.
    1 out of 5 failed marriages now attributed to FB.

    Report Post »  
    • Uncle Dave
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 2:37pm

      I would LOVE to be able to quote that statistic … where did you get it from? {:-) There are so many idiots around my office on FB. I’m just waiting for someone to post something that will “blow-up in thier face” either at home with the wife+kids or in the office with the bosses …. I have a FB account but I get on maybe twice a month just to see what’s-up. I laugh when I see “moble update”; are you so important you cannot even wait to be at a computer to post, you have to do it from your phone?? Gees!

      Report Post » Uncle Dave  
  • Chicago Ray
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:29am

    The net period is a minefield of decadence, filth, and slime for adults, much less kids, and that’s just the MSM offerings!!

    My little brother brought me over to his house before Xmas to school his 13 yo girl on FB and it’s dangers as the emeritus net geek of our tribe ;), and she was in tears when I showed her some of the dangers, sad stories and $%^&*..just what she needed to say no to it now herself. ;)

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
  • The Eleventh Doctor
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:27am

    This is why I don’t use the site.

    Report Post » The Eleventh Doctor  
  • ThorLoser
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:24am

    And there you have it in a nutshell, folks.
    When someone else is happy, having a good time and enjoying themselves, it is dangerous to those who have to see such things.
    That’s the roots of socialism right there.

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:21am

    For sure it is BAD for kids. They need to be outside playing, listening, observing, breathing, not tied to some machine.

    It is way bad for us, and we are getting rid of our scarcely used page this very day. Our active protest such as it is….

    GOD BLESS AMERICA!

    Report Post »  
  • Marcobob69
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:20am

    Facebook will be five times as dangerous if they hire Bobby Gibbs in ANY capacity! The liberals will be in control of the biggest “social networking” site on the web, and they will be able to spew out all the propaganda they can to the unsuspecting youth of America, and the world for that matter!!! Could be a scary scenario. Obama is, after all, a “community organizer” by trade, so the socialist/radical possibilities are endless!! I urge Facebook not to hire this man, he’s just a cog in a great big socialist wheel. It could have a big impact on your kids outlook if they do hire this man.

    Report Post »  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:49am

      Facebook will now be the new indoctorination tool for our kids by the Socilist in Chief, just another tool in his Deconstruction of Freedom, and Democracy. remember when he had children in Grade school singing the Obama song?

      Wasn’t that Done By Stalin, Mao, and Hitler as well???

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • watchtheotherhand
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:58am

      It could also serve as an irreplaceable tool for fund raising and domestic spying of individuals that might oppose their agenda.

      Report Post » SLEAZYHIPPOs ILLEGITIMATE OFFSPRING  
  • SHTFMRadio.com -- Emergency Preparedness Radio Show
    Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:12am

    What a joke, this is what society has become ?
    Dang teach your kids to get a life and get back to basics in life.

    Report Post » SHTFMRadio.com -- Emergency Preparedness Radio Show  
    • Obama Bin Lying
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 8:46am

      I know…god forbid one of them go outside and play wiffle ball, or street hockey. This generation should be called “Generation Potato”

      Report Post » Obama Bin Lying  
    • joe conservative
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 9:01am

      While technology can be a good thing, it always depends on how it is used. I believe the way it is being used today is simply contributing to our society in decline. There is a great video detailing this.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUA3iQjLH4g

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • goatkid
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:12am

      @emergency preparedness
      My thought exactly. When I was in highschool, the internet was a fairly new thing. People used it for email, but there was no social networking. We still passed notes and called people on the phone, never heard of texting. It sounds funny to say that things were much simpler 15 years ago, but it’s the truth. Kids need to have their lives simplified, but it’s the parents responsibility. Take cell phones away, limit computer use to home work. Technology is diluting, and stupifying the next generation

      Report Post »  
    • SHTFM.COM Are You Prepared ?
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:27am

      @Obama Bin Lying
      Yea i know what you mean we used to ride our bicycles everywhere when we were real young then we rode dirt bikes and atC‘s not atV’s and we always had fun and for the most part stayed out of trouble.

      @goatkid
      Exactly i hate this age and i am a webmaster :D i would much rather have the old Motorola BRICK phones, where if all else failed you could use it for self defense :D

      Report Post » ----->> SHTFM.COM - Preparedness Forum <<-----  
    • and to the republic
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:29am

      did someone mention wiffleball? Sweet, where and what time? I’m in….No seriously, where and what time? If kids today only knew how great and simple life used to be…

      Report Post »  
    • mill
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 11:44am

      Some how…someway…America needs to come back to reality.
      Our values are in the toilet, and we are falling apart.

      Facebook and myspace etc are a great detriment to young kids with no supervision..and that’s a lotta kids… Kids have not just turned trashy…they have a bigger better way of expressing it and parents seem oblivious

      Report Post »  
    • anutter
      Posted on March 28, 2011 at 2:11pm

      I don’t use facebook, twitter, or others like them and for good reason. I don‘t give a rat’s crap about what my friends are up to 24/7.

      Report Post »  
    • ManThong
      Posted on March 29, 2011 at 1:23am

      I Facebook, therefore I am.

      Report Post » ManThong  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love