Large areas of the brain with many Facebook friends

Those who have many friends on Facebook have a brain that looks different than those who do not, according to a new study. Those with many Facebook friends were in the study, larger amygdala, a part of the brain among other things, manages memory and emotions.

But it is unclear what caused what, if it is so that those who already have larger amygdala acquire more friends online, or if it is so that those who gain more friends get bigger amygdala gradually.

Similar correlations, but in other parts of the brain, scientists have seen among those who have many friends in the physical world.

In order to move forward thinking scientists do follow-up studies to see if the brain structures affected by how the subjects are using Facebook and the internet at large.

Referens:
Kanai, R et al. Online social network size is reflected in human brain structure. Proceedings of the Royal Society B; 19 October 2011

 

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