Jan 8, 2024 02:20 AM
https://www.psypost.org/2024/01/social-m...nds-220550
EXCERPTS: In a newly published study from the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, researchers have uncovered a surprising connection: Individuals with higher levels of inflammation, as evidenced by a marker known as C-reactive protein, tend to use social media more frequently.
Historically, inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions, ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis. On a psychological level, prior research has suggested that systemic inflammation might influence behavior — particularly social affiliations, which makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint. When our ancestors faced infections, they might have been compelled to seek out social connections to increase their chances of survival. However, in today’s digitized world, social media platforms serve as a significant outlet for these affiliations.
[...] These findings shed light on a previously unrecognized link between our physiological state and our digital behaviors. The present research highlights a potential biopsychosocial antecedent to social media use. As we continue to understand the factors that influence our online habits, the role of internal biological cues might become an increasingly important area of study.
Like all research, this study must be viewed with an objective lens by acknowledging limitations.... (MORE - missing details)
EXCERPTS: In a newly published study from the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, researchers have uncovered a surprising connection: Individuals with higher levels of inflammation, as evidenced by a marker known as C-reactive protein, tend to use social media more frequently.
Historically, inflammation has been linked to numerous health conditions, ranging from heart disease to rheumatoid arthritis. On a psychological level, prior research has suggested that systemic inflammation might influence behavior — particularly social affiliations, which makes sense from an evolutionary standpoint. When our ancestors faced infections, they might have been compelled to seek out social connections to increase their chances of survival. However, in today’s digitized world, social media platforms serve as a significant outlet for these affiliations.
[...] These findings shed light on a previously unrecognized link between our physiological state and our digital behaviors. The present research highlights a potential biopsychosocial antecedent to social media use. As we continue to understand the factors that influence our online habits, the role of internal biological cues might become an increasingly important area of study.
Like all research, this study must be viewed with an objective lens by acknowledging limitations.... (MORE - missing details)
