Facebook users ‘live LONGER because they have more friends’

FACEBOOK users live longer, a study claims.

It found they are 12 per cent less likely to die in a given year than those who avoid social media.

But the numbers of “likes” they get – a sign of popularity - did not predict life expectancy.

Instead, experts claim those with most friends and most extensive social networks had the best outcomes.

Experts from the University of California San Diego said the findings prove online friendships can also boost life expectancy.

Researcher Professor James Fowler, of UC San Diego, said: “Happily, for almost all Facebook users, what we found is balanced use and a lower risk of mortality.

“Social relationships seem to be as predictive of lifespan as smoking, and more predictive than obesity and physical inactivity.

Happily, for almost all Facebook users, what we found is balanced use and a lower risk of mortality

Professor James Fowler, of UC San Diego

“We’re adding to that conversation by showing that online relationships are associated with longevity, too.

The team looked at 12 million Facebook users aged between 27 and 70.

They then examined participants’ health records.

It revealed those with Facebook profiles lived to a riper age than those without.

On average, they were 12 per cent less likely to die in a given year.

And the users who accepted the most friendships had the longest life expectancy.

But those initiating the most relationships did not see a benefit.

Experts said it suggests urging older Brits to go out and meet more people will not boost their health.

Lead researcher Dr William Hobbs said: “Interacting online seems to be healthy when the online activity is moderate and complements interactions offline.

“It is only on the extreme end, spending a lot of time online with little evidence of being connected to people otherwise, that we see a negative association.”

The research is published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.