Social networks Instagram network especially harmful to mental health?

Which social media platform has the most negative impact on our psyche?
The use of social media platforms can have a negative impact on mental health. There are currently five very successful social platforms: Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. The researchers now found out that of these platforms Instagram has the most damaging consequences for mental health.

Researchers at the UK's Royal Society for Public Health found that using Instagram was one of the biggest negative consequences for mental health compared to other social media platforms. The doctors published a press release on the results of their study.

At the present time, many people use so-called social media platforms. But the use does not only lead to advantages. In particular, Instagram can lead to mental health problems in young people. (Image: Photographee.eu/fotolia.com)

Manipulation of photos leads to problems
For their survey, the experts interviewed young people aged 14 to 23 about issues such as anxiety and depression. Of all the platforms, YouTube was the most harmless to the psyche. But even using YouTube can affect sleep and body image. Fear and bullying are common causes, say the experts. Instagram is considered to be particularly harmful, but what are the reasons for that? For example, Instagram makes it easier for young girls and women to feel better in their bodies. This is achieved by the possibility that those affected can add filters and edit their images, explain the physicians. However, such images can envy other young women and make them more dissatisfied with their own bodies.

There will soon be warnings about potential dangers on social media platforms?
Users of social media platforms often reported higher levels of anxiety and other mental health issues. The experts are calling for warnings on such platforms if those affected exceed a specified and potentially harmful level of use. The user can then decide for himself whether he wants to continue or not. For example, such warnings could include links to information and advice about social media addiction, the researchers add.

Edited photos should be marked
According to the experts, social platforms should begin to mark manipulations of photos. However, it is still not clear how these platforms can implement such improvements exactly, the researchers say. One reason for this is that user-generated content is difficult to monitor. For example, fashion brands, celebrities, and advertising organizations could voluntarily display a small icon on edited photos that identifies digitally altered images, the authors suggest.

Actually, social media platforms should have a positive benefit
So-called social media platforms should actually help young people to get in touch with each other. In fact, however, the use of these platforms can lead to mental health problems.

Children must be properly prepared for all aspects of social media platforms
Although social media platforms can lead to mental health problems, use can also have benefits for those affected, explain the authors. We need to teach our kids how to handle all aspects of social media platforms, the expert adds. This includes both the good and the bad effects. Only then can they be sufficiently prepared for the increasingly digitalized world. (As)