"Is Facebook making us lonely"

Just to check my understanding on this article,I decided to write a summary.. Please check by reading this article..

Basically the author is trying to say that Facebook connects people with each other but it does not bond people together,as does communicating face to face does,thus causing loneliness.

I don't quite get this: "the danger with Facebook is not that it lets us isolate ourselves,but that it threatens to alter the very nature of solitude"

Does this mean that we become more narcissistic as we become more lonely?

I also don't understand this: "Facebook denies us a pleasure whose profundity we had underestimated: the chance to forget about ourselves for a while,the chance to disconnect."

Does this mean that Facebook causes us to think about ourselves too much that we need to fulfill ourselves to not be lonely? Is the author trying to say that disconnecting ourselves from Facebook allows us to experience solitude,which involved self-reflection?

By the way,do you think that I am not smart because I don't understand this article?
Any tips to help me become a better reader?

Nothing that involves psychology is easy to understand!! Don't beat yourself up over that!

Is this the article?
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/05/is-facebook-making-us-lonely/308930/

I compare direct interpersonal relationship and Facebook to the analogy of sugar vs. saccharine, respectively. Both can give us an immediate sweet taste, but only sugar leads to nourishment. With direct personal interaction, not only do you have verbal interaction, but also a multitude of nonverbal cues, facial expressions, body movements, etc. Also you cannot hug on Facebook.

If you emotionally close to others but separated in location, Facebook is a good substitute, but so is the telephone, Face Time and e-mail, which are less public. Thus you can share with specific others, and the communication can be confidential.

I don't know if this is helpful, but here are a couple of articles on loneliness.

http://drdavespsychologypage.homestead.com/Loneliness.pdf

http://drdavespsychologypage.homestead.com/Lonely_Holidays.pdf

Based on your summary, you have a good understanding of the main point of the article. The author suggests that while Facebook allows us to connect with others, it lacks the depth of face-to-face communication and can contribute to feelings of loneliness.

Regarding your questions about the article:

1. "The danger with Facebook is not that it lets us isolate ourselves, but that it threatens to alter the very nature of solitude": The author is expressing that the problem with Facebook is not necessarily that it allows us to isolate ourselves from others, but rather that it changes our understanding and experience of solitude itself. The author suggests that solitude has a different quality when experienced offline compared to the self-focused and performative nature of Facebook interactions.

2. "Facebook denies us a pleasure whose profundity we had underestimated: the chance to forget about ourselves for a while, the chance to disconnect": The author is highlighting the idea that Facebook, with its focus on self-presentation and self-expression, can make it difficult for us to truly disconnect and forget about ourselves. The author suggests that experiencing solitude and disconnecting from external distractions can be a valuable opportunity for self-reflection.

Regarding your question about being smart or not understanding the article: Understanding complex concepts and articles can be challenging for everyone, and it does not reflect intelligence. It is natural to encounter difficulties while reading, and it often takes time and practice to improve reading comprehension. Here are a few tips to help you become a better reader:

1. Read regularly: The more you read, the more exposure you'll have to different writing styles and concepts, which can improve your reading skills.
2. Take notes: Jot down key points or unfamiliar terms while reading. This can help you stay engaged and improve your understanding.
3. Expand your vocabulary: Learning new words and their meanings can enhance comprehension. Look up unfamiliar words and try to use them in different contexts.
4. Summarize what you read: After finishing an article or chapter, try summarizing the main points in your own words. This helps reinforce your understanding.
5. Discuss with others: Engage in conversations or join book clubs to discuss what you've read. Sharing perspectives can deepen your understanding and provide new insights.

Remember, reading comprehension is a skill that can be developed with practice. Keep reading and exploring different topics to expand your knowledge and improve your understanding.