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Researchers Give Facebook a Smiley Face

August 16, 2023

An Oxford Internet Institute study found no conclusive evidence to support the widely-held belief that Facebook is linked to widespread psychological harm. On the contrary, researchers concluded that Facebook use may actually contribute to "positive well-being." Believed to be the largest independent scientific study ever conducted, the Oxford analysis used well-being and usage data collected during 12 years from nearly one million people in 72 countries. Facebook provided data but did not commission or fund the study. Other findings included:

• A small but significant correlation between Facebook use and positive well-being was seen in younger individuals.
• A slightly more positive correlation between use and well-being for males than females was found but was deemed insignificant.
• The results align with previous Oxford research which found that over time technology use has not become increasingly associated with negative psychological outcomes.

Read more about the Oxford study here.

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