Report: Facebook is bad for your health physically and financially

A new study released by the University of Pittsburgh and Columbia Business School shows that Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) users can get a boost in self-esteem when focused on feedback from close friends and family. On the other hand, Facebook may also decrease your ability for self-control.

The report conveys that only five minutes of Facebook browsing puts users at risk of over-spending both financially and physically. The paper is titled, “Are Close Friends the Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control.” Additionally, their research found that Facebook was connected to higher credit card debt and a higher body mass index (BMI). Does this mean that all of the happy photos and stories posted on Facebook are mere illusions?

The study was broken up into five parts. Survey participants were first asked in what ways they connected to close friends on the platform. After that, they were set into two groups. Those who had strong bonds to friends on Facebook also showed increases on self-esteem when focused on those particular friends and the posts they share with those friends.

Another part of the study asked users to browse Facebook and CNN.com, then they were asked to choose between either eating a granola bar or a cookie. Those who logged into Facebook were more likely to eat a cookie, and also had a higher instance of not being able to complete puzzles.

At the end of the study, users were asked to enter their height, weight, credit card ownership and credit card debt. Avid Facebook users displayed higher BMI levels and credit card debt. They also conveyed an increased likelihood for binge eating. So, what does this mean for the company? If more studies are held, which confirm these findings, does that mean Facebook relies on binge eaters with low credit scores for their revenues?

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