The enjoyment that Facebook provides to its members has more to do with its state of flow than the quality of its content, according to the principles of a popular American psychologist.
In his book entitled “Flow”, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced chick-sent-me-high-ee) defines flow as ‘the state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience itself is so enjoyable that people will do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.’
According to Csikszentmihalyi, the best moments in life aren’t the lazy, relaxing ones. They’re actively engaged moments – when we are in a state of flow.
Tasks that produce ‘Flow’ have the following characteristics:
1) The activity is engaging (but not overly challenging). Activities that are too challenging produce anxiety. Activities that are too easy an activity produce boredom.
Facebook supports this characteristic. It allows individuals to explore and interact in a flurry of ways: microblogging, commenting, chatting, viewing photos, uploading photos, becoming a fan, joining a cause, playing games, etc. etc.
2) The activity provides good feedback. Activities that provide immediate and ongoing feedback are more enjoyable for people than one-sided. Activities on Facebook occur in real time. And, they are fueled by feedback from friends in your network. Posts, comments, and responses are published immediately. You can be notified of comments, status changes, and Facebook events immediately while you are online and via email or text when you are offline.
3) The activity is distracting. Activities are most enjoyable when we are thoroughly absorbed them. Troubling thoughts are set aside. Conflicting obligations are easily forgotten or overlooked. Facebook embodies this characteristic. When it comes to Facebook, the term ‘distraction’ is used less often than ‘addiction.’ A growing body of research in the area of addiction is related to a phenomenon called Facebook Addiction Disorder (FAD), a psycho-physiological disorder involving tolerance; withdrawal symptoms; affective disturbances; and interruption of social relationships in favor of Facebook.
4) The activity provides a sense of control. Activities that provide participants with a sense of control are most enjoyable. Facebook meets this characteristic by allowing individuals to opt in and out of activities, conversations, and social network relationships at will.
5) The activity reduces self-consciousness. Activities are most enjoyable when we become a part of them and merge with the activity. Users exchange imaginary tokens, join groups and create relationships on Facebook. Popular pastimes on Facebook include games like Mafia Wars where users start a Mafia family with friends, Run 3 kinds of crime businesses, and Vie for respect. The goal? Fight to be the ruling family in NYC.
6) The activity transcends time. When we participate in activities we enjoy, we lose our sense of time. Many Facebook users hop online ‘for a minute’ only to reappear hours later.
In an article for Psychology Today, Csikszentmihalyi’s said that flow can come from nearly anything: “Almost any activity can produce flow provided the relevant elements are present, so it is possible to improve the quality of life by making sure that the conditions of flow are a constant part of everyday life.” According to Csikszentmihalyi, flow fuels many poets, musicians, inventors, explorers, scholars, scientists, artists, and athletes.
I think it also fuels Facebook — as the exception that proves the rule.
Credits: This post was inspired by Mark Setterlund, a high school friend and academic. He mentioned Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of Flow is a recent post. I was unfamiliar with the concept…so I had to look it up. The result is this post. Thanks Mark! Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.
Avoid the Undertow
Flow is good. Addiction is bad. There may be a fine line between flow and addiction. How can you tell the difference? Try the video below:
About Troy Janisch