銆€銆€As many as half of Facebook users are risking psychological damage from using the site to spy on ex lovers, according to new research.

銆€銆€Two of the most cited reasons for accessing Facebook are to keep in touch with others and to surreptitiously monitor them - with between a third and half of users using it to check up on ex-partners.

銆€銆€With close to a billion users, it means hundreds of millions may be finding it more difficult to get over a broken romance.

銆€銆€Psychologist Dr Tara Marshall said in the past, such spying and keeping tabs with what your ex was up to was challenging.

銆€銆€You could try and pry information from his or her friends, telephone, or drop by their place, but it was usually unlikely you would turn up much useful information.

銆€銆€This made it easy for people to distance themselves from the relationship and move on - an emotionally healthy breakup.

銆€銆€But as long as you remain 'friends' with your ex on Facebook, they are now able to keep up with everything you are doing.

銆€銆€While satisfying a certain curiosity factor, it seems likely that it would make it far more difficult to actually emotionally distance yourself from your past relationship.

銆€銆€In a survey of 464 participants, most of whom were undergraduate students, she found people who remain Facebook friends with an ex-partner will experience poorer breakup adjustment and personal growth relative to those who do not.

銆€銆€The findings suggest continued online exposure to an ex-romantic partner may inhibit post-breakup recovery.

銆€銆€Notably, frequent monitoring of an ex-partner's Facebook page and list of friends was associated with greater distress.

銆€銆€Dr Brenda Wiederhold, editor of Cyberpsychology, Behaviour and Social Networking which published the research, added: "This study sees again virtual life mirroring real life.

銆€銆€"Just as real life contact with ex-partners may inhibit growth, healing, and well-being, so may virtual contact."