Facebook causes 'psychotic episodes and delusions', claims study
- Israeli scientists find Facebook can cause 'hurt and betrayal'
- None of those studied had any history of psychosis or drug abuse
- One patient thought their virtual friend was reaching out of the screen and touching her
By VICTORIA WOOLLASTON
Excerpt:
Facebook and other social networking sites can actually send you mad, according to scientists in Israel.
Researchers from Tel Aviv University have linked psychotic episodes in patients to internet addiction and delusions caused by virtual relationships cultivated on social networking sites.
Although all the participants had underlying problems of loneliness, none had any history of psychosis or drug abuse, the team say
[…]
The studies found a direct link between psychotic episodes and their internet or Facebook communications.
All three of Dr Nitzan's patients sought refuge from a lonely situation and found solace in intense virtual relationships.
Although these relationships were positive at first, they eventually led to feelings of hurt, betrayal, and invasion of privacy.
Full article: Facebook causes 'psychotic episodes and delusions', claims study | Mail Online.
