General Chat

From a study by the university of Copehagen.

Researchers warn of envy and a "deterioration of mood" from spending too long looking at other people's social media stories, induced by "unrealistic social comparisons".

If this suggests a picture of long irritable hours over a screen, depressed by the boasts and posts of others, then the researchers say that it does not need to be this way.

Actively engaging in conversation and connecting with people on social media seems to be a much more positive experience, suggests the study, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking.

This seems to be much less gloomy than "passive" users who spend too long "lurking" on social networking websites without getting involved.

So come on in lurkers, don't be passive, be active. A new year resolution!!

Exactly what I tried to encourage Ann but was poo-pooed.

I'm sure the 'lurkers' will respond to you though :-) one of the mysteries of cyber world

Happy christmas.

Not so far Island. I don't worry really, just wanted to point out how it affects those who could post but don't.

It works both ways Ann. Do those who 'lurk' give a thought for the feelings of those who make the effort to put up threads? I think not in a lot of cases.

I have posted a few times, been slapped down a couple of times and being basically shy, I have an inferiority complex which prevents me from getting involved.

On some sites there are large numbers who regularly post and I feel I would be intruding. On some sites it is mainly ladies who chat and who would want a (very) old man getting involved?

Robert this old lady is quite happy to talk to an old man. Feel free to visit any of my threads especially on the hobbies board if you have any interest in birds or gardens. I am sorry you feel you were slapped down, please don't let that deter you if you have something to say, sometimes we tend to forget that not everyone is used to chatting on these threads.

Wonder who the other 34 people are?

I own up to looking in Ann :-0 :-0 :-0 :-D

Me too :-D

Me three <3

Me four :-D

I'm more of a lurcher - specially at this time of year.
And by the time I get out of bed most of you lot are nodding off and if I comment I'm out of date.
Apart from that - merry wassails or whatevers to you all.
B :-D

I miss a lot of threads here due to being a nocturnal soul but try to keep up with subjects when I can. You have to be a bit tough but in the main, we are a friendly bunch and welcome newcomers

Lizxx

I think I'm about 62nd to look at this thread.

Well done to Ann and Island for their encouragement.


<3 <3

Thank you to the honest people. Yes, I think we actually all do that, those of us on the boards more frequently, I know I sometimes click on a thread to read then don't comment and on that occasion I am marked as a lurker myself. But there are loads more who lurk and never post on any threads.
Hello Berniem good to see you.

I think I qualify as a lurker.

I'm sure most of us look at a lot more threads than we comment on, but that's no different to chatting in "real life". I meet up every week with quite a large group of friends for coffee and a chat. Some of the group talk nineteen to the dozen, others only throw in an occasional comment but they enjoy listening to the chat around them. I've never considered them lurkers, more as quieter friends :-D

Mmm Vera but to be honest on some threads there are more views than people we know are on the boards. I am just trying to convince those that are too reticent to come forward that their input would be welcome and valued. :-) :-)

I do both so am I a lurkive :-D

You and Island are right to encourage people to post because it can be hard to break the ice. I was a member of GR for several years before I was brave enough to make the first post and I am not particularly timid; I felt everyone knew everyone else and I was the outsider.

So, to any new posters out there, take the advice I was given and just dive in. GR regulars are a friendly bunch.......really they are.