It is generally acknowledged that technology has caused a considerable breakthrough in the way people communicate. More specifically, online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…etc. have dramatically reduced face-to-face human interaction.
Facebook is considered one of the most used online social networks and it has really made a profound change in our lives.
Nowadays, almost two billions of people use Facebook in the world. It has come to be an inevitable social network platform. However, the most striking thing about Facebook is the nature of its algorithm and operational policies. There is some evidence that Facebook could lead to addiction just like other serious drugs. Could that happen?
I remember, a few days ago, I was browsing some Facebook pages and I came across a video. There were two guys talking about Facebook and its effects. Later, I did an extensive research on YouTube and I found that they were Facebook executives.
In that short video, they harshly criticized the Facebook company for the strategies it uses to keep people engaged as much as possible in the blue page. They claimed that the Facebook network exploits its users by administering a “dopamine hit” in the form of new features, such as: LIKES and COMMENTS.
For those who don’t know, Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It is one of those chemicals that are responsible for transmitting signals to the human brain. There are a few nerve cells that actually make dopamine. Basically, dopamine has several functions in the human brain, but one of the most central functions is regulating the way people perceive and experience pleasure.
During the situations, in which, people get pleasure from something, this neurotransmitter is released, which causes people to look for such similar activities and states over and over again. Eating food, playing guitar, or a video game or having sex are all cases where the human brain releases dopamine. This is the reason why these activities are very enjoying and people continually keep engaging in them.
Now, more than ever, there is scientific evidence to support the statement “Facebook is dangerous”. In recent times, a new study was commissioned by Fox News discovered that when people receive or LIKE or COMMENT on Facebook and other online platforms such as: twitter and Instgram, their brains release dopamine.
It is exactly the same chemical reaction that happens when someone gets in a sexual intercourse or uses addictive drugs. Basically, the psychological states and experiences of the brain as a result of Facebook LIKES OR COMMENTS are precisely similar to those resulting from cocaine.
Facebook is so attractive and there is a psychology behind that. Facebook makes people like, comment and share for several reasons. It is fairly Okey to assume that LIKES and COMMENTS are ways to give feedback or to connect with things you like on Facebook. People can like the stuffs their friends post and give feedback or like the page they want to connect with on Facebook to be informed in the future.
This, to a lesser extent, sounds normal. However, what is striking is the overwhelming tendency of people to check Facebook account over and over or spending massive time waiting for likes and comments. Doesn’t that sound really abnormal?
The addiction can easily be explained if one understands the strategies used. The Facebook designers understand the fascinating science of colors. They used the blue color which has a psychological effect on the individuals’ brain. Have you ever asked why the blue color? Basically, blue is a favorite color by many people.
The science of color states that blue is a non-threatening color that can seem conservative and traditional, calls to mind feelings of tranquility, security and calmness, and is seen as a sign of stability an reliability.
Facebook could probably have shaped our social communication and made it more easier than before. However, it has been shown that its excessive use might lead to some deleterious side effects on human’s social and psychological life. Most people are extremely using it every day (up to 4 hours a day) which alarms danger. Therefore, Instructive utilization and caution are highly recommended from the part of users.
I hope this post was beneficial. This platform is educational. Yet, sometimes it brings to light issues that pertain to health and entertainment. Please share this post with someone who might need it.
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