If you often find yourself on Facebook stalking the supposedly picture-perfect holiday of an old school mate you haven't seen since 2009, then this news may ring true.
According to a BBC news report, a study from the University of Copenhagen has found that excessive use of social media creates feeling of envy.
The study of 1,300 participants found that "regular use of social networking such as Facebook can negatively affect your emotional well-being and satisfaction with life".
Researchers found that participants who spent long periods ‘lurking’ on social media, in other words, looking without interacting, made “unrealistic social comparisons” and saw a “deterioration in mood”. And long hours spend at a screen can cause depressive like behaviours.
However life on online isn't all doom and gloom. Researchers found that actively engaging with conversations and connecting with people on social media can be a positive experience, and improve wellbeing.
But if you really want to feel the benefits, the study recommends taking a break from social media now and again. And Christmas is the perfect time for a digital detox...