Avoiding sifting through all those smiling Christmas photos on Facebook might be beneficial, according to a new study.

The research, carried out by the University of Copenhagen, suggests that too much Facebook browsing can cause a "deterioration of mood".

It specifically warns about 'lurking' on social media, which is looking but not interacting with other users.

The study, which involved one group using Facebook and the other ditching it for a week, suggests that taking a break from social media can boost emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction.

More than 1000 people took part in the study, 86 per cent of whom were women, and the participants who took a one-week break from Facebook "reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction and a significantly improved emotional life".

Several studies have found correlation evidence that Facebook can have negative effects on people’s wellbeing. However, no study has found a direct causal link.

The author of the report Morten Tromholt wrote: "To make things clear, if one is a heavy Facebook user, one should use Facebook less to increase one’s wellbeing.

"And if one tends to feel envy when on Facebook, one should avoid browsing the sections (or specific friends) on Facebook causing this envy.

"And if one uses Facebook passively, one should reduce this kind of behaviour.

"Due to habits, practicalities … it may be difficult to change one’s way of using Facebook. If this is the case, one should consider quitting Facebook for good."