Understanding the Psychology of Social Networking
Have you always suspected it? Just one diagram explains it all: social networking as the intersection of narcissism, ADHD, and good old fashioned stalking.
So there you go: with tongue firmly in cheek, this one Venn diagram illustrates how several of the top social networking sites appeal to various intersections of narcissism, ADHD, and stalking. Maybe you’ve always suspected it…maybe you’ve experienced it yourself…maybe this hits too close to home even to be funny? (Or maybe it’s just all wrong?)
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
(On second thought: if you think it’s politically incorrect for a site dedicated to mental health and wellness ever to joke about mental health, then don’t let us know. Just close your browser window and walk away slowly.)
I still haven’t managed to track down the source of the diagram above. I saw it via Guy Kawasaki, who I think grabbed it from The Huntington Post — but I can’t find a mention of it on their site. If you know, give me a holler!
Other articles by Dr Greg Mulhauser, Managing Editor
This article was last reviewed by Dr Greg Mulhauser, Managing Editor on Thursday, 12th November 2009. You can leave a reply below.
The URL of this page is:
http://counsellingresource.com/features/2009/11/12/understanding-the-psychology-of-social-networking/
12th November 2009
Hahaha amazing stuff. I see it now!
13th November 2009
Finally someone who agrees with me
14th November 2009
I have written a one thousand word invective excoriating social networking sites, and the above symbol is a neat abbreviation of many of my points. The diagram does not mention the addictive nature of on line networking, and I think ‘ADD’ is more accurate than ‘ADHD.’ Other than that, I wish this symbol a long and happy life on the internet.
14th November 2009
Fantastic!!!!!! :-)
15th November 2009
although thinking a little more – isolation might be a cause of social networking as well as a result of it – for those of us who live in the back of beyond (that’s me!) are ill, housebound, etc.
16th November 2009
Great! But omits Fear Of Being Alone, which I see behind much / most hyperconnectedness mania these days. [& I said this in 140 characters.]