New research found almost 90% of users of the social network access the site to look at their own wall posts
Facebook could be used to treat depression after experts found 90% of users log on to remember happier times.
Nostalgic photos and even old comments are used to “self-soothe”, research found.
Scientists already know that reminiscent therapy is helpful for older people with memory loss.
Now the University of Portsmouth wants to do a bigger study to confirm its findings which could suggest Facebook can help treat mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Dr Alice Good, who led the new study, said scientists found a growth in “self-soothing” on Facebook is helping users especially if they are prone to feeling low.
Dr Good said: “The results indicate we could use self-soothing as a form of treatment for low moods.
“We were very surprised by these findings, which contradict some recent reports.
"Although this was only a small study, we will go on to study larger groups to see if the results remain consistent.”
Psychologist Dr Clare Wilson said: “Facebook is marketed as a means of communicating with others.
“Yet this research shows we are more likely to use it to connect with our past selves, perhaps when our present selves need reassuring.
“The pictures we often post are reminders of a positive past event.
"When in the grip of a negative mood, it is too easy to forget how good we often feel. Our positive posts can remind us of this.”
The study has been published in the journal Lecture Notes in Computer Science: Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction.