Facebook study: Love suffers when social web use rises

August 10, 2009

More than 250 million internet users are members of the popular social network Facebook, but a study of college students in relationships shows those who log on frequently to social networking sites may suffer bouts of jealousy that can lead to online stalking.

The study, which appears in the journal CyberPsychology & Behavior, found that young adults in relationships may come across information about their partners on social networks like Facebook that stirs jealousy and causes them to seek more information through surveillance of their partner's online activities.

The study authors describe a vicious feedback-loop, in which the jealousy provoked by information found online leads to a quest for more information, which can provoke more jealousy.

Some of those surveyed by the researchers, from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, described their increasing use of time looking for information about their partners on social networks as a type of addiction.

"This research on university age individuals is an excellent starting point to begin asking additional questions on how this new forum might be impacting the dynamics of adult relationships and other social processes," said Brenda K. Wiederhold, editor-in-chief of CyberPsychology & Behavior.

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