Bishop: Facebook, MySpace Leads to Suicide

Some say that money is the root of all evil. However, Archbishop Vincent Nichols believes that social websites such as Facebook and MySpace are just as wicked, pulling teens out of reality by de-sensitizing one-on-one personal relationships, leaving them unable to cope when social networks crumble. He said that social websites do not produce "rounded" communities, but rather leaves teens with impoverished friendships.

"We're losing social skills, the human interaction skills, how to read a person's mood, to read their body language, how to be patient until the moment is right to make or press a point," he said in an interview with The Telegraph, referring to the extensive use of texting and emails. "Too much exclusive use of electronic information dehumanizes what is a very, very important part of community life and living together."

His public stand is a result of last week's suicide resulting from "spiteful" messages on Bebo. Megan Gillan, a student at Macclesfield High School in Cheshire, swallowed several painkillers after fellow students posted mean comments about her clothing and overall appearance.

According to the Archbishop, social websites contribute to the current trend of amassing large numbers of friends, emphasizing the collective, and can eventually lead to suicide. "They throw themselves into a friendship or network of friendships, then it collapses and they're desolate," he said.

Source : Tom's Hardware US