Online social networks and mental functioning: A case study

摘要

In recent years, the personal involvement into online social networks grew extensively. The present paper introduces a case of a 17 year-old adolescent girl with psychotic symptoms, where intensive and distorted usage of online social networks was present. The self-image of an average adolescent is highly modified by inputs delivered by online social networks. The long-term consequences of digital networks on mental functioning of adolescents are discussed. Both beneficial (information flow, social support) and harmful effects (paradox isolation, psychopathologies) should be taken into account for the proper evaluation of the ‘digital self’.