Social Network Site and Happiness: like me to make me HAPPIER

“In your own opinion, would you say social network sites like (Facebook, WeChat, QQ, twitter) have positive impact on your Happiness?”

According to a research conducted by Prof. Thierry PENARD, a professor of economics from the University of Rennes 1; France, western social media platforms, typically Facebook and Asia dominant (WeChat) interferes subjectively with people’s wellbeing than the other social media platforms.

The research was conducted based on five (5) research hypothesis. Thus: (1) Offline sociability increases wellbeing, (2) Online Facebook can increase wellbeing, (3) Facebook can enhance self-esteem passively, (4) Positive social experience, and (5) Negative experience.

Prof. Thierry Penard indicated that, the main aim of his study taking into consideration the hypothesis was to measure the impact of Social Networks use on individuals and the amount of influence on their well-being. His research was conducted on 2,000 French Facebook users.

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The findings from the study revealed that Facebook interferes with subjective well-being through itseffects on friendships, self-esteem and social comparison. The study indicated that, the use of Social Networks also helps users to derive a positive relation due to the great number of Likes and comments received from Facebook friends. By contrast, people that would prefer to receive more Likes tend to be more unsatisfied with their life.

The findings also indicated that Facebook use can exacerbate frustration and envy. Thus, the ambivalence of Facebook use can have both positive and negative psychological effects on well-being, and raised questions about the viability of Facebook usage.

Prof, Thierry Penard concluded that the use of social network is relevant in human lives, however, it is the best for individuals especially we students at Jiangsu University to have close personal relationships with peers.

The Hour seminar was held at the School of Management, Jiangsu University on November 6, 2017 started at exactly 14.30 pm. Prof. Du Jianguo in delivering his key note address for the second session of the month-long academic seminar and enterprise training, advised participants to actively involve themselves in the academic activities of the school.