Their study, #StatusofMind, surveyed almost 1500 young people aged 14 to 24 on how certain social media platforms impact health and wellbeing issues such as anxiety, depression, self-identity and body image.
YouTube was found to have the most positive impact, while Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter all demonstrated negative affects overall on young people's mental health.
In a chat with CNN, Matt Keracher, author of the report said, 'Instagram draws young women to compare themselves against unrealistic, largely curated, filtered and Photoshopped versions of reality'.
"Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren't good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures in order for them to look 'perfect" an anonymous female respondent said in the report.
To tackle the problem, the RSPH has called for social media platforms to take action in order to help combat young users' feelings of inadequacy and anxiety by placing a warning on images that have been digitally manipulated.
YouTube was found to have the most positive impact, while Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Twitter all demonstrated negative affects overall on young people's mental health.
In a chat with CNN, Matt Keracher, author of the report said, 'Instagram draws young women to compare themselves against unrealistic, largely curated, filtered and Photoshopped versions of reality'.
"Instagram easily makes girls and women feel as if their bodies aren't good enough as people add filters and edit their pictures in order for them to look 'perfect" an anonymous female respondent said in the report.
To tackle the problem, the RSPH has called for social media platforms to take action in order to help combat young users' feelings of inadequacy and anxiety by placing a warning on images that have been digitally manipulated.
"We're not asking these platforms to ban Photoshop or filters, but rather to let people know when images have been altered so that users don't take the images on face value as real. We really want to equip young people with the tools and the knowledge to be able to navigate social media platforms not only in a positive way but in a way that promotes good mental health," Keracher said.
The survey concluded that while Instagram negatively affected body image, sleep patterns and added to a sense of "FOMO" -- the fear of missing out -- the image app was also a positive outlet for self-expression and self-identity for many of its young users.
Them don start again? Bad market for Mark Z.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised my sister that relocated to Canada 1 and half years ago confided that she feels as if she is not achieving much like her mates in Nigeria who are always stunting for the gram I advised her all those stunts are not completely real and so she should not let depression catch her. at 26 she graduated with good grades in her master degree she is looking for work now sha
DeletePeople should try and stop being fake on sm biko it affects others negatively
DeleteBad belles at work. No one is being forced to use instagram. Parents should be the one to monitor what sites (as if its easy or possible) their kids visits.
DeleteTrust me i have felt d d same way ur sister feels.i foolishly returned to naij after my masters cos i felt they were stunting & now i regret it.
DeleteNa how much YouTube pay una? 😒😒
ReplyDelete#Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive*
ReplyDeleteFor where, they would be like "tell it to the dogs" we like it like that
ReplyDeleteBobrisky them
ReplyDeleteCould be true
ReplyDeleteHowever each to his/her life
No wonder I don't like that thing. Joined instagram last month and I just don't like it. Was on live chat with Lagos State Police PRO Mrs Badmus yesternight, and it was surperb, that woman is beautiful and intelligent, that's the only thing I've enjoyed as far as instagram is concerned
ReplyDelete*Larry was here*
Follow funny interesting accounts. You'd laugh and learn a lot.
DeleteIt affects when one becomes too addicted to the app
ReplyDeleteVery true. I wrote an article about this very issue some yrs ago.
ReplyDeleteLadies are worst hit. They've gone from comparing themselves to over photoshopped pictures and exaggerated lifestyles to living the tush life with domestic pets.
ReplyDeleteWho sprays pet dogs with dollar bills for Christ's sake? When 60% of youth can't afford 3-square meal per day. Very depressing I'm won't to say. Statements like "my dogs feed better than you" and sorts. Haba.
Sadly, you have no power over their content and updates.
So those that are naturally blessed should not flaunt it because some persons will feel bad about not looking good themselves.awon odes,Can't you package abi na everything person go get.
ReplyDeleteNobody is 100%perfect unless you ve gone under the knife so those that allow themselves to feel down about not having the kind of body they see on ig re mumus of the highest order.😬😬😬😬
Kidjo the post is for exact peasants like you. Your background no match your boasting and you went to borrow nyashpad add to your fakelife. Sorry is your name.
Deletevery true, i left Facebook cos of same reason. oh u look somehow, are u okay? asking like the care. monitoring spirit every where, only on Instagram cos of my business. living my simple and private life in peace biko, no need to compete with anybody.
ReplyDelete