A new study that involves 12 million Facebook users revealed that users who are active on the social networking website had longer lifespans. This crucial link was observed as the site provides opportunities to maintain and enhance real-life relationships and friendships.

Researchers from Northeastern University say that although this study does not prove that Facebook usage can result in a longer life, there are major health benefits from healthy social media interactions online.

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According to the lead author of the study, William Hobbs of Northeastern University, online interaction seems to be healthy when it is moderated and complements offline interactions.

In this new study, researchers studied 12 million Facebook users from California and examined their records at the California Department of Public Health. They investigated their online activity during a six-month period. These users were mostly born between 1945 and 1989.

The results of this study showed that the average Facebook user is 12 percent more likely to live longer than someone who does not use this social network.

However, researchers say that it does matter how a user utilizes Facebook. For example, those who are more socially active in real life, thanks to communicating and making plans with friends and family across the social media platform, are more highly likely to live longer. On the other hand, those who only have online interactions but do not follow through with social events in real life showed no significant health benefit.

Apart from this, Facebook users who also accepted most friend requests live the longest even if there is no evidence of who initiated these friendships.

According to the author of the study, James Fowler of University of California San Diego School of Medicine, this study shows that it is not friends that make us healthier but healthier people attract more friends and that popular people have a tendency to be healthier.

The researchers emphasized that this study is purely observational and does not prove that Facebook will help users live longer.

This new study was published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.