Taking a week-long break from the world's largest social network could lower stress levels and increase life satisfaction, according to a study by the Happiness Research Institute.
The Denmark-based independent think tank conducted an experiment on 1 095 people. Half of the group were not to use Facebook for one week.
The findings of the study were detailed in a report entitled: "The Facebook Experiment: Does social media affect the quality of our lives?"
Before starting the study, the participants were quizzed on how they make use of the social network: 94% said they visit Facebook as part of a daily routine, 78% use Facebook 30 minutes or more daily, 86% browse the news feed often or very often, 69% prefer to post pictures of the great things they experience, and 61% prefer to post their good sides on Facebook.
"Social media is a non-stop great news channel: a constant flow of edited lives which distorts our perception of reality," states the report.
After one week without Facebook, the treatment group reported a significantly higher level of life satisfaction. The group had increased their 'real-life' social activity, experienced less concentration difficulties, and felt they wasted their time less.
"People on Facebook are 55% more likely to feel stressed," states the report. "Taking a break from Facebook will make users 18% more likely to feel present in the moment."
Both groups' moods were evaluated at the end of the week. The group that took a break from Facebook was found to be 9% happier, 13% less worried, 12% less sad, 8% less angry, 12% more enthusiastic, 11% less depressed, 9% less lonely, and 8% more decisive.
The study also showed people on the social network tend to compare their lives to what their friends are posting on Facebook, leading to unhappiness.
"Five out of 10 people envy the amazing experiences of others who post on Facebook, while one out of three envy how happy other people seem on Facebook, and four out of 10 envy the apparent success of others on Facebook," states the report.
"The effects of social comparisons on Facebook are 39% more likely to make people feel less happy than their friends."
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