Is Facebook Good for Social Anxiety?
I remember hearing once that everything invented after you turn 35 is "new" technology to be feared, while those things that you grew up with are second nature. Since I am just on that age cusp, I am lucky to have already adopted computers, the internet, and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. By the time the next technology wave hits, I will be too old to learn anything new!
What does this have to do with social anxiety disorder? I was just reading an article about how Facebook can help kids with social anxiety. This might appear counterintuitive at first, since social networking online is more impersonal than face-to-face interaction. However, the author does make some good points:
- Facebook can help your children stay in touch with old friends
- Facebook allows shy children to practice social skills
- Online social success will lead to greater confidence
I think as with all things, Facebook in moderation could certainly help shy or socially anxious children connect with others. As long as Facebook is used as a tool to meet others, rather than as a means of replacing contact in real life, then it could certainly be put to good use.
For those parents over 35 ... unfortunately you will have to go online and learn how to use these tools. Sharing the experience of Facebook with your child is one of the only ways to make sure that they stay safe.
What do you think? Is Facebook a help or a hindrance for people with social anxiety?
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Comments
I completely agree. Some will say otherwise but I believe it is a positive tool for those suffering from Social Anxiety.
I disagree somewhat. For me, I’m very anxious when on facebook because my 350+ ‘friends’ are more like strangers. I don’t like everyone knowing who I’m speaking to and what I’ve been doing for fear of being judged. I spend an absurd amount of time trying to word wall posts and then worry about who is reading. I post pictures then take then down often. I stalk people then feel bad. I prefer small groups and because most of my facebook friendships are shallow in real life, it’s more like a any old crowded social hangout. (and so i still have the same social anxiety there, if not worse!!) I’m 21, in college and through facebook I’m connected to high school classmates scattered all over the world. I see how connected they are and feel bad for not connecting with them in the real world of highschool. Not to be entirely negative, i thinl facebook could help social anxiety is we limit facebook friends and actually communicate with people, initiate and stop being paranoid
Perhaps then some tips for using Facebook for the socially anxious are in order? Such as:
-limiting friends to a handful you know best -using private messages instead of wall posts
-no posting photos until you are more comfortable online
-try to befriend people online instead of “stalking” … if they don’t reciprocate move on
Any more tips or suggestions?
I agree with the concept of Facebook helping Social Anxiety Disorder in that I see it as a slightly less intimidating means of being social. My experience, however, also mimic’s that of Den’s description. I spend far too much time rewording and proofing wall posts and comments, and I constantly worry about what others will think when they read my posts. I have a very limited set of contacts on Facebook (about 35) but still feel this anxiety. I think that it’s a good way to slowly desensitize yourself to showing your personality in a group setting, but it’s definitely not a cure-all.