Social Networking Increasing Productivity?

This week, Dr. Dennen posted an article on the class blog which explained recent findings that social networking releases oxytocin, the "cuddle hormone." As someone who works in the mental health field, I decided to delve deeper into the subject of if/how social networking increases happiness and overall well-being. My subsequent search led me to stumble upon a blog called "Wired for Success" that is part of the Psychology Today website.

One posting on this blog discusses a recent research study that aims to uncover whether social networks can increase happiness and productivity. James Fowler at the University of California found that in a social network, happiness spreads among people up to three degrees removed from one another, and even that your own personal happiness can cause a positive chain reaction to occur among your networks. Unfortunately, sadness can also spread through social networks, although not as quickly.

The research is particularly interesting when considering application to workplace productivity. Many employers believe that allowing access to social networking websites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) detracts from productivity because it potentially takes away from company work. However, research shows that happy people are more productive people. So, could we then deduce that social media increases happiness, which then increases employee productivity?

The prevalence use of social media in the workplace as a method of developing positive relationships as well as a business strategy is growing. In my workplace, I use social media to connect with constituents and community partners, but I am the only person in the office who is allowed to do so. All other employees are restricted from using social media.

I'm curious to know-- how many of you out there in cyber space have access to social media at work? Do you feel that it increases your personal level of productivity?