Can't quit Facebook? Researchers have found the reasons why

[AF-Roger]

If you've ever tried taking a break from Facebook, or quitting the site altogether, only to find yourself logging back on just a few hours later, a newly published study by researchers from Cornell Information Science at Cornell University, USA, may have found the reasons why.

An article published on Cornell University's website describes how the team of researchers looked at more than 5,000 surveys completed by participants taking part in the Dutch project, 99 Days of Freedom. The ongoing project invites Facebook users to give up the social networking site for a period of 99 days, or longer if they wish.

Surveys were issued to participants on days 33, 66, and 99 of the project to gauge participants' moods throughout their Facebook-free period.

• Perceived addiction: participants who felt that Facebook was addictive were more likey to go back, with one individual reporting that "In the first 10 days, whenever I opened up an internet browser, my fingers would automatically go to ‘f'"
• Privacy and surveillance: Participants who felt that Facebook was monitoring their activity were less likely to return to the site. However those that used Facebook to manage others' perceptions of them were more likely to go back
• Subjective mood: If participants were feeling positive, they were less likely to return
• Other social media: Participants who used other social media outlets, such as Twitter, were also less likely to return

Read more Can't quit Facebook? Researchers have found the reasons why | CTV News

 

[azgold]

I don't have trouble quitting FB, I have trouble starting. Still don't use it.

My kids however, are almost always on it. It's the way they most communicate with friends, family and even clients.

I don't get it, really. To that extent, I mean.

 

[Dr. Forum]

I have been one of the affected victim. I have this year tried to quit Facebook three times and trust me I have never finished even a week before I found myself logged into the social media platform. I do feel that facebook has become part of me and I can rarely do without it. Now that I am in the field of marketing, it is even a nightmare trying to quite the platform. I have lots of traffic and loyal followers on Facebook which I never take for granted.

 

[internalsoul]

People can go really crazy when it comes to Facebook. I have seen people for whom Facebook is life, they actually dont have a real life rather they prefer to live in a virtual life. Last week I have seen a news about 3 teenagers got killed by a fast moving train while they were trying to take selfie infront of fast moving train for their facebook profile pics. Such insane kids. May their soul rest in peace.

I don't get it, really. To that extent, I mean.

 

[azgold]

People can go really crazy when it comes to Facebook. I have seen people for whom Facebook is life, they actually dont have a real life rather they prefer to live in a virtual life. Last week I have seen a news about 3 teenagers got killed by a fast moving train while they were trying to take selfie infront of fast moving train for their facebook profile pics. Such insane kids. May their soul rest in peace.

OMG, that's awful!

I've never quite understood why people get so upset if someone unfriends them, either. I guess it's public rejection?

Just occurred to me...AFix is my FB.

 

[azgold]

I have been one of the affected victim. I have this year tried to quit Facebook three times and trust me I have never finished even a week before I found myself logged into the social media platform. I do feel that facebook has become part of me and I can rarely do without it. Now that I am in the field of marketing, it is even a nightmare trying to quite the platform. I have lots of traffic and loyal followers on Facebook which I never take for granted.

It must be hard to quit if you're using it as a traffic source.

Saying it's part of you and a nightmare to quit...geez, I'm glad that I don't bother with it!

What is it that draws you back each time? Do you feel like you're missing out on something, or you miss your FB friends, or just the action of checking in there?

 

[affilirant]

I closed my account down over 2 years ago found it easy but then again I hate social media, FB, Twitter and the rest.

 

[azgold]

I closed my account down over 2 years ago found it easy but then again I hate social media, FB, Twitter and the rest.

It can take a lot of your time, plus I don't like how some of the sites collect personal information that is picked up by government agencies.

I still use a couple of sites but I have avoided FB.

 

[HCFGrizzly]

I don`t see it like an addiction. It`s just a feature that makes our lives easier. For example I just use it to chat with my friends and post songs (for me to listen later).
Of course it`s hard to give something up, especially if it makes your life a little comfortable.
It`s the same thing with mobile phones, cars, washing machines etc.
You will tell me that I can communicate without Facebook just as good, but in the same time I can tell you that you don`t need mobile phones to talk (just use a public phone or send mails), you don`t need cars, you don`t need washing machines (wash your laundry by hand).

 

[azgold]

you don`t need washing machines (wash your laundry by hand).

I've done that, it sucks.

 

[hiimjeremy]

I enjoy being connected with people online, but I am really bad at updating my status/taking photos/documenting my life on social media. I just have no interest in it the way other people do. I've gone a years without being on Facebook, but I found for me it's better to at least have it and somewhat participate!

You wont find me sharing every meal I eat on Facebook (like some people I know hahaha), don't worry guys! lol