Facebook, which allows users to put their best face forward, can boost the self-esteem of college students.
That's according to a new Cornell University study published in February in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking.
Jeffrey Hancock, a co-author and a communications professor, said in a news release that users can choose what they reveal about themselves and filter anything that might reflect badly.
"Unlike a mirror, which reminds us of who we really are and may have a negative effect on self-esteem if that image does not match with our ideal, Facebook can show a positive version of ourselves," Hancock said. "We're not saying that it's a deceptive version of self, but it's a positive one."
In the study, college students gave much more positive feedback about themselves after using Facebook than those who did not.