Facebook Can Be Used In Self Help Process

Social networking sites like Facebook can be used as a self help therapy tool, according to researchers from Queensland University of Technology in Australia.

It seems, based on a New Media & Society published study, the self-important prattle, embarrassing confessions, and good news announcements posted on Facebook can be used as part of a therapeutic, self help process.

These shares can encourage feedback as well as personal reflection upon opinions and actions – further allowing us to understand and improve ourselves.

Dr. Theresa Sauter, of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation (CCI) at QUT, who led the study, says in NDTV:

“Social networking sites invite people constantly to share their thoughts and actions with others, confess their wrongdoings and highlight their achievements. This turns these sites into tools for self-reflection. It’s like keeping a diary, but it’s more public, frequent and up-to-date.”

Based on Dr. Sauter’s assessment, social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter can be very useful self help therapy tools.

For example, less than flattering posts where social media users publicly admit mistakes demonstrates a healthy self-awareness whereupon the individual acknowledges and takes responsibility for how they’ve deviated from good, ethical behavior.

Posts announcing personal triumphs and accolades reflect, for the most part, a healthy sense of self as users’ show that they are doing well in their day-to-day lives.

Regarding self help therapy, this action can consciously or subconsciously encourage Facebook and other social networking site users to maintain their positive status quo and or exceed it.

Dr. Sauter says, according to Science Alert, “People can use these sites to work on themselves. It doesn’t mean they create new personalities on Facebook, but rather that they understand and keep reshaping their own identity through self-writing.”

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