You Read an Article Stating That Facebook Is Related to Unhappiness

question 17

Essay

You read an article stating that Facebook is related to unhappiness. In the study, a group of high school students were asked how many times a day they checked their Facebook pages and how happy they were. In discussing this article with your friend Matt, he exclaims, "I knew it! I have always said that being on Facebook is the cause of all my unhappiness!"
Using the three criteria for evaluating causal claims, discuss the reasons your friend Matt is correct or incorrect in his interpretation of the study.

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Definitions:

Nonexcludable

Characterizes a good or service for which it is not possible to prevent individuals who do not pay from consuming it, leading to potential free-rider problems.

Nonpaying Customers

Individuals who receive a good or service without providing monetary compensation.

Externality

A cost or benefit caused by a producer that is not financially incurred or received by that producer.

Pollution

The contamination of the environment by harmful substances or waste, leading to adverse effects on living organisms and ecosystems.