Most first-time parents, especially women, spend more time on the social network Facebook after the child is born. These are the conclusions of a work carried out by researchers from the University of Ohio (USA).
The44 percent of mothers say they spend more hours on social media after giving birth, compared to 27 percent who say they spend less time, and 29 percent who indicate that they have not changed their use. These results are somewhat unexpected, since, according to Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan, co-author of the work, “new parents are so stressed and have to deal with so much, that it would not be surprising if they spent fewer hours on Facebook.”
However, social media could be a way to keep in touch with distant family and friends that can be supportive for new parents. “These mothers spend a lot of time at home, without working, and may be away from their family,” argues Mitchell Bartholomew, co-author of the work. “The network of contacts created can help them to better deal with the situation,” he adds.
Also, most mothers and fathersupload photos of their babiesto Facebook, and claim to have started posting more images after the birth of their children. All indicated that when friends comment on their photos or click “Like”, they feel more satisfied in their role as parents.
On the other hand, the researchers found that women who experienced more stress with motherhood were more likely to use Facebook. Cause or consequence? “The most likely interpretation is that the most stressed mothers need to searchsupport and reliefin the networks. I don’t think the use of Facebook stresses them any more, “says Schoppe-Sullivan.
The work, published in the journal Family Relations, is part of a larger study that analyzes the adaptation of new parents to their new situation.
