Baggage Check: Facebook Psychology

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Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

THE ADVENT AND EXPLOSION of social networking websites like Facebook and MySpace has given rise to dozens of sociological and psychological questions: Are these trends associated with an increase in narcissism and exhibitionism, or are they helpful vehicles for creative expression? Are they draining productivity and dumbing down our workforce, or are they providing innovative ways to be inspired and enlightened without leaving the office? Is it funny or cliché to turn one's picture into a Simpsons-esque cartoon character?

One of the most intriguing uncertainties is the nature of the relationships that these sites build. We are in a new frontier, with many long-standing pillars of social psychological research being tested. Several factors have long been thought to encourage close, quality friendship, with proximity and interaction paramount among them. Obviously, you are more likely to develop meaningful friendships with someone you lived with, worked near or studied next to — geographical closeness can breed emotional closeness. But the new twist on this question is this: Can "proximity" be achieved via broadband signal?

Classic research — which can now be considered as old-school as "The Legend of Zelda" — applied to the bonds that form among college hallmates or childhood neighbors or long-time co-workers. It is easy to see why friendships and romance thrive among people who have constant contact with each other; in turn, people change their beliefs and behaviors to match those around them, creating a cycle of affiliation and often affection.

Now, the Internet has put a new spin on this entirely. Is it "proximity" when you see someone's digitized face every day and know that six hours ago they ate too much bulghur, even if you haven't spoken in person in six years? Does the "contact" that is known to connect us and develop our affinities for one another include a few typed comments here and a few posted picture links there? Are these new types of relationships cheapened and homogenized, with a false and shallow intimacy — or are they the greatest thing since for social lives since the telephone?

I'm not so sure, though I hope good research begins soon. In the meantime, I'm off to change my profile picture.

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