Biology of Humans 6th Edition by Judith Goodenough,Betty McGuire

Exercise 13

Many of us use the social medium Facebook frequently, but most of us haven't thought about how this practice might influence our mood. Studies investigating a relationship between Facebook and depression have shown contradictory results. One study1 indicated that the frequency of Facebook use was related to a decrease in user report of depression, unless the user also reported being envious of Facebook "friends." The following is a summary of the article discussing this study. In this study, 736 Facebook users completed a survey asking about the frequency and nature of their Facebook use. Other surveys asked students to rate themselves on characteristics of envy and of depression. Students who used Facebook frequently were less likely to report symptoms of depression, unless they also reported being envious. Among jealous users, reports of depression increased with the frequency of Facebook use. News reports about this study claim that Facebook use causes depression for users who are jealous of the successes of their "friends."
Depression is a common mental health issue. Use at least three reliable sources (books, journals, websites) to create a list of factors that might cause depression. Also create a list of changes in behavior that might lessen depression. Cite your sources.