FACE-TO-FACEBOOK?

According to Facebook’s founder Mark Zuckerberg - there is 175 million of us on the social networking site.

But an American psychologist has claimed we should get off Facebook as it could be damaging to our health.

His comments have been met with criticism in Nottingham.

Dr Aric Sigman says the amount of time we spend with each other face-to-face has slumped
dramatically and that we could be missing out on a key hormone that is triggered during this interaction.

He believes Facebook's part of a worrying trend towards isolation. He said: "There are some people who are naturally shy and don't want to mix with people. That will always be the case.

"But, I think some of the new technologies like email and social networking have in many ways encouraged them to be more shy and more reclusive."

NOTTS SO SURE

Psychologist Maria Kotogianni from Nottingham Trent University researches Cyber Psychology. She reckons people’re quick to criticise new technologies.

"I believe whenever new technologies come out, there is always a plathora of criticism. It was the same with computers and mobile phones.

"If Dr Sigman is correct, then there would be a lot of bars and cafes failing. I think whatever the choice, people will always lean towards face-to-face contact and meet people to have fun with."

Graphic Design Student and Facebook user Daniel Simkins is not too sure either.

"I use it just to arrange something with my friends and then go out and do stuff. Although I guess you always see the odd people who are always on there - so I guess it has the possibility to be addictive."