A joyous response to the misery of others

A study released by Stanford University shows that Facebook users often perceive their friends as having more fulfilling social and emotional lives. As a result, people end up feeling more lonely, isolated and depressed.

My reaction to Facebook has always been the opposite. Given the propensity to complain or allude to vague personal problems (with the hope that someone will engage), I always find Facebook rather uplifting.

Joyous even.

Admittedly, I often access Facebook through other platforms, so I don't spend as much time reading my Facebook feed as it might seem, but still, it never takes long to find someone who is upset.

While not all status updates are littered with whining and complaining, there are generally enough moans and groans related to the weather, work, children, the lack of sleep, travel snafus and illness to send me from my computer with a genuine skip in my step.

Facebook is my daily pick-me-up. A reminder of why I am so happy to be me.

Perhaps I’m just friends with the right people.

Or the wrong people.

Or the right people.