Facebook likely to boost happiness in autistic adults, says study
Using Facebook in moderation
can boost happiness in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a
study has found.
The finding could not be
generalised to overall use of social media, however, because the same
was not true of those who used Twitter, researchers said.
Researchers from Fielding
Graduate University and University of Virginia in the US found that
while happiness and Facebook use increased together up to a certain
point, the beneficial effect of social media use then waned.
The researchers propose that
that ability to interact with others on Facebook, instead of in more
challenging face-to-face interactions may help protect these
individuals against mental health issues associated with ASD such as
depression.
"Some studies report that
up to 50 per cent of adults with ASD have co-occurring social anxiety
disorder. Facebook may provide a safe starting point for training and
refinement of conversational skills," said Brenda K Wiederhold,
Editor-in-Chief of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social
Networking, in which the study was published.
"Increased self-confidence
in one's abilities may lead to eventual translation of these new
skill sets into improved face-to-face interactions," said
Wiederhold.

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