Just logging in to check your updates? Again?

If this is already the tenth or eleventh time today, and you’ve liked more links than you’ve spoken words to those around you, it’s quite possible you’re in danger of becoming addicted to Facebook.

Sound a little far-fetched? Believe it or not, new research has now suggested that for some people Facebook may actually be more addictive than sex or even cigarettes.

Here are the top seven warning signs:

1.TMI: Too Much Information.

Thanks to your glut of status updates and posted photos, people could potentially piece together your entire diet, exercise regime and social habits. If they wanted to. They won’t though, unless they’re a very thorough stalker.

2. Off-line Responsibilities Neglected.

Your Farmville properties are booming, but your actual backyard looks like a particularly bad patch of Cambodian jungle.

Honestly, it’s the latest trend in urban landscaping…

3. Time Line.

You complained bitterly about the introduction of Time Line, but have now taken pains to add multiple life events for every month of your existence. Just in case someone bothers to check. And again they won’t, unless they’re a very thorough stalker.

Conversely, if you find yourself spending inordinate amounts of time browsing/viewing photos and life events of people you haven’t personally been in touch with for over a year, perhaps it’s you that’s the very thorough stalker!

4. Facebook Manages Your Entire Social Calendar.

You find you only remember, and deliver Birthday/Anniversary wishes when prompted by Facebook. The same goes for events—you’d probably miss your own child’s birthday party if a Facebook reminder didn’t pop up first.

5. ‘Friends’ Galore.

How many Facebook friends have you managed to collect? Recent studies indicte that psychologically speaking there’s actually a finite number of friends anyone can really maintain. The general maximum? Around 150. Technically, this is called Dunbar’s Number.

So. If only the first 150 or so are real ‘friends’, who are the other few hundred? And why do you feel compelled to accumulate them in the first place?

Additionally, It’s been suggested that if less than 20% of your Facebook friends are people you actually know in real life, this is a significant warning sign of Facebook Addiction!

I know all these people personally

6. You Can Check In Any Time You Like, But You May Never Leave…

When a ‘brief Facebook check’ draws out, extends to half an hour, or even more, you just know you have self-control issues. Try setting a timer for five minutes each time you log on. See how hard it is to actually stick to it.

I can stop anytime I like

7. People You Live With Resort to Facebook Messaging to Announce Dinner, Etc.

This one’s worse than it sounds. What this basically means, is that it’s more likely you’ll be on Facebook than in any given room in the house. Your online presence changes less than your physical one.

How about you? How much time do you spend on Facebook daily? Do you know anyone you think might qualify as an addict?

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About the author

Jamie
Jamie Robertson is a Psych Major Bachelor of Arts grad who blogs regularly on men’s health and personal relationships at www.midliferocksblog.com and www.herbalignite.com.au/blog.html Fascinated with psychology and human nature, he talks daily with men of all walks of life about general and sexual health issues and needs, and is enthusiastic about helping people live life to the fullest regardless of age. His motto: forsake your health for wealth, and all that wealth will end up being spent on your health anyway.

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