STUDY: Facebook Boosts Cornell Students' Self Esteem

Facebook increase self-esteem among students at Cornell University.

Facebook can increase self-esteem among college students, according to a study by Cornell University.

The researchers conclude that Facebook simply lets people represent themselves in the best light, and receive affirming feedback from friends about these profiles, which results in warm and fuzziness. Like the study’s co-author, Jeffrey Hancock, associate professor of communication at Cornell University, says in the official press release:

Unlike a mirror, which reminds us of who we really are and may have a negative effect on self-esteem if that image does match with our ideal, Facebook can show a positive version of ourselves,… We’re not saying that it’s a deceptive version of self, but it’s a positive one.

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