What Is The Psychology Behind Collecting

Facebook: Breeding Ground for Teen Narcissists?

Is Facebook turning your teenager into a narcissist? A new study finds that daily overuse of Facebook can contribute to psychological and health problems in young users, though the site has proven beneficial among those who are more introverted.

Obsessively using anything is probably not good for your health, whether it's video games, exercise, or Facebook. But in a recent study, Dr. Larry D. Rosen, a professor of psychology at California State University, found that "teens who use Facebook more often show more narcissistic tendencies while young adults who have a strong Facebook presence show more signs of other psychological disorders, including antisocial behaviors, mania, and

Facebook overuse can also negatively impact learning and grades, Rosen said. That revelation shouldn't really be a surprise, though. Updating your status isn't really going to help you ace that history test.

"While nobody can deny that Facebook has altered the landscape of social interaction, particularly among young people, we are just now starting to see solid psychological research demonstrating both the positives and the negatives," Rosen said in a statement.

The positive impacts cited by Rosen include helping introverted kids improve their social skills, the development of "virtual empathy" for online friends, and using social networking as a teaching tool.

Maybe kids should be checking Facebook on their phones. A recent study found that while smartphones contribute to the development of a "checking habit," those habits are not yet harmful to our health.

Much of the negativity around Facebook and teens has focused on cyber bullying. It's a lot easier for a kid to hurl an insult from behind a computer monitor or smartphone screen, but unlike a note passed in class or a comment made in the locker room, the Internet posting lives forever and has a much wider audience.

In its defense, Facebook is well aware of cyber bullying and has done its part to try and combat the problem. In conjunction with March's White House Conference on Bullying Prevention, Facebook  upgraded its reporting system to allow users to notify someone they trust if they are the victim of bullying or online harassment. The social-networking site has also partnered with  Time Warner Cable and GLAAD , among others, to spread the world about the impact of cyber bullying.

Ultimately, it's up to parents and teachers to stay abreast of what their kids are doing online. For parents considering the use of monitoring software to keep an eye on their kids' Facebook use, however, think again, Rosen said."Your child will find a solution in a matter of minutes. You have to start talking about the use of appropriate technology early and often and build trust, so that when there is a problem, if the victim of intimidation or seeing a disturbing picture, your child will talk to him.

Book | Snoop « inspiration

About a year ago, I ordered “Snoop” by Sam Gosling off of Amazon . It was recommended to me based on my interest in Malcolm Gladwell and Winnifred Gallagher , along with  other general psychology of design books etc. I was intrigued. It came in the mail and managed to ride carry-on (hardcover, not ideal) with me during multiple trips to Texas. However, not once did I open it. It was one of those books that I knew I would really like, so I wanted to ‘ save it ‘ for a time when I felt less mentally overloaded and could sit for some down time with a career related read. months passed…

After months of carrying it around, I finally opened it on a return trip to New York. Four short hours later, as we pulled into JFK, I was almost half way through. (a slower read since I would often go back or re-read sections I found particularly interesting). Since “The Power of Place”, I have not been able to read on a plane. Albeit with earplugs, both books have allowed me to block out even the most persistent of children’s screams.

Last  week I was able to finish the rest of the book on another flight between Austin and new York. The end of the book really started to get into the “meat” of design psychology that I am primarily interested in. I was sad when it was finished. Never the less, here are my notes:

There are interesting non-design bits like; what a handshake, email address, or car say about ones personality. Along with some simple tests and general traits of narcissism, for playing along while reading. As well as a section on politics- interior spaces and general geological locations of liberals vs. Conservatives. Stereotypes and racial influences on space and social implications are also discussed.Followed by music preferences and what they say about your personality ... Why musical taste is often a question on the top dating sites. Even the dog stereotypes have a chapter.

While the entire book is not on the design, there are several sections for those interested in the psychology of design as me. The chapters on office space was particularly interesting to me that I work a few areas of business now. Personalization (or lack thereof) is unique to each employee and may even shed light on their involvement or interest in global society as a whole. However, there were the less design relevant sections that all tied back to the psychology behind what we carry in our wallets, post on Facebook, favorite vacation sits and even choice of domestic pets. All of which are interesting to anyone, not just designers or psychologists.

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