Teens Who Use Facebook Have Narcissistic Tendencies

"Tech Breaks" can help teens learn balance

New research shows that teens who use Facebook not only do worse in school, but also have more narcissistic tendencies.

Teens who spend much of their time on Facebook show more signs of other psychological disorders as well, including antisocial behaviors, mania, and aggressive tendencies, according to the study.

Among the findings, which were presented over the weekend at the American Psychological Association convention, was also that teens who are heavy Facebook users have more trouble sleeping, higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stomach aches.

“We have created a world for students where they can not focus because we have given them all this really cool stuff that is distracting," said author of the study Dr. Larry Rosen, a professor of psychology at California State University, Dominguez Hills. "We're teetering on the balance – too much time online can lead to health problems and narcissism, but it can also teach you to be more empathic and develop your sense of self.”

Rosen suggests teaching teens how to take "tech brakes" in order to learn to keep a balance.