Instagram May Help Adolescents Fight Depression

Some may scoff at adolescents' use of social media networks as they pine for likes, but a new research suggests that using the photo-sharing app Instagram can actually strengthen the closeness of their friendships which in turn may help curb depression.

"This age group may be particularly at risk for the impact of Instagram, given the increasing popularity of Instagram in adolescence and given the increase of depressive symptoms during this stage of life," said researcher Eline Frison from University of Leuven in Belgium.

Instagram Documents Rising Use of Hookah Now
New data from social media documents thousands of people using hookah in social settings and nightlife establishments using social media to promote hookah use.

‘Using Instagram at one point was related to increased closeness to friends (perception that they are appreciated and loved by their friends) six months later, which in turn was related to lower levels of depression.’

Tweet it Now

"This study offers practitioners greater insight into the outcomes of adolescents' Instagram use," Frison said.

The findings are scheduled to be presented at the 67th annual International Communication Association conference to be held at San Diego, California from May 25-29, 2017.

From 2013-2014, Frison set up a large-scale study to investigate the relationships between adolescents' social networking site use and their well-being.

Instagram's New Feature Extends Support to Tackle Mental Problems
The photo-sharing site shared a subtle change to its app that may help out users who are feeling sad, upset or in need of moral support.

Students filled out paper-and-pencil surveys between six-month periods.

The surveys asked students about their use of social networking sites like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram, and their well-being (depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, loneliness).

Algorithm Helps Detect Depression By Studying Instagram Photos
Machine-learning algorithm helps to identify depression in people by analyzing their photos posted on Instagram.

The data analysed revealed that using Instagram at one point was related to increased closeness to friends (perception that they are appreciated and loved by their friends) six months later, which in turn was related to lower levels of depression.

However, the researchers cautioned that if the use of the photo sharing app fails to stimulate the feeling closeness to friends, it could be harmful in the long run.

Food Porn on Instagram can Make You Want to Relish Food
If you want to relish food, just hit the photo-sharing website Instagram and browse through the images posted by people of various cuisines.

Source-IANS