In recent discussions, I’ve noticed a recurring sentiment among older individuals: Facebook is detrimental to our happiness. One gentleman expressed concern, saying, “Instead of making plans and meeting face-to-face, everyone’s just typing away in front of a screen. It’s terrible for real connections.”
I beg to differ. While it’s true that in-person interactions can be more vibrant and enjoyable, dismissing Facebook entirely because it doesn’t match the experience of face-to-face meetings is a classic case of letting the perfect overshadow the good.
From my perspective, Facebook enables me to maintain relationships with a much wider circle than I could manage otherwise. It facilitates staying in touch through various life changes—like moving homes or switching jobs—and offers a convenient way to reach out to friends. Plus, it provides a casual means of connecting with acquaintances that I might hesitate to call or email directly. And let’s be honest, who wants to write a letter these days?
A perfect example of this occurred recently when I met up for coffee with a friend, “Emily,” whom I hadn’t seen in years. We initially connected after college when I temporarily moved to San Francisco and lived with a college roommate who was dating one of Emily’s friends. After I left, I moved around quite a bit—first to New Haven, then to New York City, then Washington, D.C.—while Emily traveled from San Francisco to Cambridge, then New York City, Kampala, Boston, and even Nairobi, before returning to New York.
Although I always enjoyed Emily’s company, we weren’t extremely close, and I lost touch over time (as she quipped, “You lose five people with every move”). Thankfully, she found me on Facebook recently, and we rekindled our friendship. Our meeting was delightful and a huge boost to my happiness—especially considering we now live just thirteen blocks apart!
Research, both from ancient philosophers and modern studies, consistently shows that strong relationships are essential for happiness. We thrive on close connections, the ability to confide in others, and the support we give and receive. Studies indicate that those with five or more friends to discuss important matters report being “very happy.” During mid-life crises, a common lament is the absence of true friendships.
In essence, anything that helps us maintain our friendships can significantly enhance our happiness. If you’re exploring the idea of starting a family, you might find useful insights in this guide on what to expect when you have your first IUI. And if you’re on the lookout for an at-home insemination kit, check out this resource for an excellent selection. For those wanting to dive deeper, they are an authority on the topic.
In summary, while face-to-face interactions are irreplaceable, Facebook plays a valuable role in helping us maintain connections and nurture friendships.
Keyphrase: Facebook and happiness
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