Facebook, Twitter Make People Self-obsessed, Craving for Feedback: Expert

Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are turning people self-obsessed who constantly need feedback on their lives, an expert said.

Baroness Greenfield, professor of pharmacology at Oxford University, said, these platforms have developed an ‘identity crisis’ and craving for attention like a baby saying, “Look at me, Mummy, I've done this.”

“What concerns me is the banality of so much that goes out on Twitter. Why should someone be interested in what someone else has had for breakfast? It's almost as if they're in some kind of identity crisis. In a sense it's keeping the brain in a sort of time warp,” she added.

She believes the excessive use of social networking platforms and video games could ‘rewire’ the brain.

This can result in reduced concentration, a need for instant gratification and poor non-verbal skills, such as the ability to make eye contact during conversations.

Social networking sites are growing rapidly and have become an essential part of peoples’ everyday life. Facebook has more than 750 million users over the world and Twitter has become an important communication tool as well. Lately Google+ has joined the bunch and has soon become popular.