More than one billion people log into Facebook every day, whether their intention is to post a selfie, or read the headlines from their favorite news outlet.

It would seem logical to assume that people use Facebook because it somehow enhances their lives. But oddly, reality suggests the opposite.

Studies show Facebook use is associated with lower life satisfaction.

People are not using social media to be social. Most users consume random pieces of content and passively consuming information is not fulfilling or satisfying.

By the time users log out of Facebook, they feel like they have wasted their time.

Their remorse over being unproductive causes them to feel sad. It is not the only way Facebook takes a toll on your mental health. Envying your friends on Facebook leads to depression.

Scrolling through happy status updates, exciting vacation photos, and beautiful family moments leads users to compare their lives with those of their Facebook friends.

Those social comparisons leads users to assume their Facebook friends have better lives. And those feelings of envy increases their chances of developing depression.

On a crisp Friday afternoon last October, Sharon Seline exchanged text messages with her daughter who was in college. They ‘chatted’ back and forth, mom asking how things were going and daughter answering with positive statements followed by emoticons showing smiles, big smiles and hearts. Happiness.

Later that night, her daughter attempted suicide.

Indeed, it is only when we can hear a tone of voice or look into someone’s eyes that we are able to know when ‘I’m fine’ does not mean they are fine at all.

As Human beings, our only real method of connection is through authentic communication.

Anyone can hide behind the text, the e-mail, the Facebook post or the tweet, projecting any image they want and creating an illusion of their choosing. You can be whoever you want to be.

This presents an unprecedented paradox. With all the powerful social media at our fingertips, you are more connected – and potentially more disconnected – than ever before.