By: Lucy Thompson
Updated: Dec. 20, 2015
Originally Published: Oct. 30, 2014
It’s a common refrain among some older folks: “Facebook is ruining happiness!” One gentleman even lamented, “Instead of making plans and getting together in person, everyone’s just tapping away on their screens, all alone. It’s killing our human connections!” I have to disagree, though. Sure, face-to-face interactions are generally more exhilarating and help strengthen our bonds, but dismissing Facebook entirely because it’s not as good as in-person meetings is like saying you shouldn’t eat cake because it’s not a full-course meal.
In my own experience, Facebook offers a way to keep in touch with a much broader circle than I could manage with phone calls or emails. It allows me to stay connected through all sorts of changes—new email addresses, new homes, you name it! Plus, it gives me a quick and easy way to reach out to friends without the pressure of a call or even an awkward email. And let’s be honest, who has time to write letters these days?
A perfect example: Just the other day, I grabbed coffee with a gal named “Megan,” whom I hadn’t seen in ages. We first crossed paths back in the day when I moved to San Francisco for a brief stint after college. I was living with my roommate, who was dating one of Megan’s friends. After that, I bounced around to New Haven, New York City, and Washington, D.C., while Megan made her way from San Francisco to Cambridge, then to New York City, Kampala, Boston, Nairobi, and finally back to New York City.
While I always liked Megan, she wasn’t one of my closest pals, and we lost touch along the way. As she put it, “You lose five friends with every move.” Luckily, she found me on Facebook recently, and we reconnected—it was a total joy and a real boost to my happiness. And guess what? We live just thirteen blocks apart!
From ancient philosophers to modern researchers, everyone agrees: strong relationships are key to happiness. We all need those close, long-lasting connections where we can confide in one another, feel a sense of belonging, and offer and receive support. Studies reveal that having five or more friends to discuss important matters with significantly increases your chances of labeling yourself as “very happy.” When mid-life crises hit, one of the top complaints is often feeling friendless.
So, anything that helps you maintain those connections—like Facebook—is bound to make you happier. For more insights on parenting and happiness, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy or explore our other blog post for more engaging content. And if you’re curious about home insemination options, Make a Mom is a great authority on that topic.
To sum it up, Facebook might not replace in-person connections, but it certainly helps keep the ties that matter alive, contributing to our overall happiness.