Cancer likes Facebook junkies

That's what a new study suggests. Social isolation caused by increased usage of social networking sites can affect the immune system and hormones, leading to a stroke. iTALK finds out if you have cause to worry

Can Facebook really give you cancer? Most of us will vehemently nod, "No!" But scientists believe Facebook addiction, which leads to social isolation, is responsible for a host of diseases.

Psychologist Dr Aric Sigman has published a paper in the Biologist, stating that emailing people rather than meeting up with them, may have wide-ranging biological effects. He links this allegation to the use of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace which, according to him, have forced people into social isolation.

He says this changes the way your genes work, upsets immune responses, hormone levels and even the function of the arteries. An increased risk of serious health problems like cancer, stroke, heart disease and dementia are also associated with an addiction to social networking sites.

It hampers social skills, says Sigman
>>With the increased use of electronic media, the number of hours spent on one-on-one interaction has fallen dramatically since 1987.
>>Dependence on electronic media undermines the ability of children and youth to learn vital social skills and read body language.
>>In less than two decades, the number of people confessing that they don't like discussing important matters with anyone, has nearly tripled.
>>Owing to the portals, parents spend less time with their children than they did a decade ago.
>>The proportion of people who work at home alone continues to rise.

According to figures compiled by the research firm comScore (August 2008), the number of visitors from India to social networking site Facebook more than tripled to 785,000 in June 2007 from 238,000 in January. Orkut grew by a healthy 35% over the same period to clock 7.2 million visitors in June 2007. Facebook had 132 million visitors in June 2008, thus making it the fastest growing social networking site. Indians constitute about 30% of unique visitors on Orkut worldwide. On Facebook, they are a little over 1%.

Why is Facebook so popular?
>>It's easily accessible.
>>It's a cheaper form of communication.
>>It offers a wide platform for connectivity, with people from all over the world.
u00a0
What's not-so hot:
>>Leads to invasion of privacy.
>>Advertisers and ordinary users are using the same platform, and you have no say in the matter.
>>It has the potential to lure child predators.
>>Leads to wastage of valuable time.

Is it ethical to use FB when at work?

Mangesh S Kirtane
Member of the Board, Alchemy Management Consultancy Faculty and MD, Pegasus Institute for Excellence

Professionals who are regular at social networking sites can be classified into three types:
>>Students who have recently turned into professionals. Tremendous energy and time at their disposal has led to dependence on portals.
>>Middle-aged professionals, who are on social networking sites for social satisfaction. Re-establishing old contacts and networking are primary reasons.
>>Professionals in senior positions find themselves on Facebook due to peer pressure.

The ethicality of the usage of such portals when at the workplace is a main concern. Many organisations are extending freedom to employees because they expect them to broaden their horizons. While heavy dependence on such portals can lead to social isolation, this platform has been very resourceful with regard to global connectivity.

It can't cause Cancer

Dr Anil N Suchak,u00a0 Medical Director, Suchak Hospital and President of Indian Medical Association, Mumbai West
Any study needs to have a scientific basis and is usually considered trustworthy if it has been conducted over a considerable period of time. Facebook is a recent phenomenon and hence, I don't think the study is genuine. Addiction to networking portals can only lead to problems concerning the spine and eyes.

FB can make you binge eat: psychiatrist

Dr. Anjali Chhabria Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
Excessive use of social networking sites leads to:
>>Distraction from work and other daily activities.
>>Decreased face-to-face interaction.
>>Preoccupation with the content being viewed.

The overall effect could lead to lethargy and poor concentration. By meeting people over a social networking site rather than face-to-face, the warmth and physical comfort of friends or family may be reduced. From inviting a person to a party to announcing a break-up, social sites have become a convenient platform. It's more like being friends with your computer, rather than having a friend in the real world.

Heavy dependence on social networking sites might not cause cancer as mentioned in the study, but may lead to psychological concerns, such as becoming obsessed with the Internet. It can become a serious health issue if people indulge in binge or impulsive eating. Some could also suffer from reduced or disturbed sleep.

The study is utter hogwash: avid user

Pushkaraj Shirke, Copy Supervisor at Ogilvy
Facebook user Pushkaraj Shirke, rubbishes the findings. "Social networking sites are necessary and have become a part of every professional's life. They help increase social activity. Professionally, they help network, turning professional friends into personal friends by letting them peep into my world."