Are some people on Facebook pretentious and narcissistic?

I've noticed that more and more people take to Facebook these days to submit posts about how "happy" they are. To boot, they post a seemingly endless stream of pictures with their kids, relatives, etc.

The question is: Beneath the surface, are these people truly happy, or are they simply putting up a front? Do they find the need to post about how happy they are to compensate for the fact that they're not, or to attempt to reassure themselves and the world that they really are?

I'm not saying these people can't in fact be happy. But what's the point of saying it? It's like when a person says to you "I'm not mad, just forget about it." Well, if she was never asked whether she was mad, more than likely, she is tacitly admitting she is.

Studies have shown that the more a person posts selfies and other self-absorbed posts on Facebook, the more likely he or she is to have narcissistic tendencies.

Whenever I post something on my Facebook Wall, it's likely to focus on something or someone other than yours truly. For example, every picture includes either my wife, a friend, or a family member. What's more, I post articles, famous quotes, and other content that's educational in nature.

But when someone posts something like "It's a beautiful day; I'm so happy," I view it as suspect, unless they provide a reason for feeling jubilant (promotion, engagement, etc).

At the end of the day, people act on Facebook as they would at a job interview -- they put their best foot forward, doing everything they can to keep the drama and hardships in their lives under wraps.

Do you agree? Have you noticed any of your Facebook friends doing the same?

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