A recent study about social media found that materialism is a major part of the appeal of social media sites and is having a negative effect on many users.
The researchers define materialism as the importance people attach to worldly possessions.
The study suggests that Facebook and Instagram have become breeding grounds for showing off…with lots of users comparing their lives with others, showing off clothes, cars, and other things they have.
The researchers found that high levels of materialism lead to a relentless pursuit for more things, which can turn into a cycle of lower life satisfaction, increased stress symptoms, and a higher risk of addiction to social media.
And they say the pursuit of material wealth, when displayed on social media, can have detrimental effects on mental health.
When you think about it, this study is probably not that big a surprise.
Not only is there the boasting that goes on, but all those ads and sponsored messages that pop up can add to materialistic desires.
So this study on social media and materialism may be something to think about before posting something.
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