Blog Assignment: Biochemical Effects of Social Networks

It might seem science fiction or mystical the idea of social networks having an impact in the biochemical reactions of Internet users. However, a study conducted in the University of Claremont says this is possible, concluding that social networks improve empathy and social networks encourage them to share moments of euphoria. 

The study conducted by Professor Paul J. Zak says that the interaction of people between social media sites reduced stress among the people studied by production of Oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for empathy and relationship between human beings, explaining strong bonds such as the mother-children relationship. Prof. Zak worked with Adam Penemberg a famous journalist for the magazine Fast Company. For the study Penemberg had to remain in a room tweeting and interacting through social media, two blood samples were taken, 1 before the interaction and then another after a while of interaction. 

The results show an increase in oxytocin 13.2% and reduction of stress hormones such as cortisol and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) of 10.8% and 14.9% respectively. However, the interesting result from this research is that human beings (biochemically speaking) don't differentiate between human and artificial interaction. So far human interaction has been considered as primarily but these results show that on the long term physical interaction might change. 

Studying social networks can help explain how other diseases can be decreased specially ones associated to depression, also how to improve people self-steem.