Melbourne: Ever wondered how Facebook influences our financial decisions. Well, an Australian research claims that Facebook users who invest or gamble just after going through their news feed are more irresponsible with their money.

The study said Facebook users see their online social circles as a 'cushion' against financial loss. Eugene Chan, a Sydney marketing expert at the University of Technology, said. Facebook users should not engage in online investment or gambling and must postpone their casino visits for up to an hour after checking Facebook feeds, he added.

With more time passing, a user faces less risk of making a reckless decision, but a habit of making reckless decisions can hit the user many times a day if he or she is a frequent Facebook user, the study said.

Chan said after checking Facebook feeds, users can be intrigued into riskier ventures because it subconsciously highlights support from family and friends in case of any crisis.