
More than one-third of internet use is devoted to social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The main users are those born after 1982. A new commentary in 2 October 2009 Psychiatric Times by Dr Lauren D LaPorta from St Joseph’s Regional Medical Center says these new ways of networking and communication may, ultimately, be eroding real relationships and social contacts. The New Jersey psychiatrist suggests this technology may be interfering with the normal development of a generation ("Generation Y" or "Generation Me"), prolonging the “normal” narcissism of adolescence and preventing the establishment of mature relationships. Rather than learning critical lessons about emotional sensitivity to others and two-way relationships, young people are creating alternate realities where they are the focus of attention. Those who do not agree are simply excluded from their inner circle. These technological “advances” may be fostering a sense of isolation, alienation and (at worst) a tendency toward narcissism that can ultimately lead to an increase in violence and aggression. A series of studies have shown narcissists experienced more anger and aggression following perceived social rejection - not only toward the person who slighted him or her but to other innocent parties.
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