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While some critics may frown upon our society’s addiction to social media, truth be told, there are much worse habits worth kicking to the curb — like smoking.
Now studies are showing that not only are social media habits far tamer than your pack a day, but they might actually help you quit.
See also: Breaking Beta: Hospital Opens First Internet Addiction Treatment Facility
The Journal of Communication recently published a paper by Joe Phua of the University of Georgia exploring the impact of social media on eager-to-quit smokers. In his study of wellness-based social media sites, Phua found that these online communities served as adequate means of support, helping smokers to not only achieve their goal of quitting but also maintain it.
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The paper goes on to say that this online form of social connection can actually produce faster results than more involved, in-person methods such as support groups and meetings.
“John Doe has now quit smoking.”
Where’s that timeline event, Facebook?
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