Instagram has 'worst impact on young people's mental health compared to all other social media'

Instagram and Snapchat were rated the worst after youngsters were asked which five popular social media apps and the most negative effects on them
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Instagram has the worst impact on young people’s mental health of all social media platforms, a new survey suggests.

In the snapshot poll, youngsters were asked which five popular social media apps and the most negative effects on them.

Both Snapchat and Instagram were considered to have the most negative impact on their health and well-being, according to Royal Society for Public Health’s (RSPH) study.

Based on the ratings, YouTube raised the least mental health-related concerns among those surveyed – followed by Twitter and then Facebook.

Snapchat was also rated among the worst social media platforms for mental health issues
AFP/Getty Images

They were asked to score each platform on issues such as depression, anxiety, loneliness, bullying and body image as mental health charities urged companies to increase users’ safety.

The RSPH study said social platforms should flag up heavy social media use and identify users with mental health issues.

It found that it can also be used as a tool for good, citing that it can be used to make friends and gives people a new platform to talk on.

About 90 per cent of people under the age of 25 use social media - more than any other age group, the survey said.

It added that for this reason they are particularly vulnerable to its effects, although it is not clear what these are on current evidence.

Shirley Cramer, RSPH’s CEO, said: “Social media has become a space in which we form and build relationships, shape self-identity, express ourselves, and learn about the world around us; it is intrinsically linked to mental health.”

Instagram policy staff said the app is working with experts to give users information on how to use it safely.

Michelle Napchan, the app's head of policy, said: "“Keeping Instagram a safe and supportive place, where people feel comfortable expressing themselves, is our top priority - particularly when it comes to young people.

"We work in partnership with experts to give people the tools and information they need while using the app, including how to report content, get support for a friend they are worried about or directly contact an expert to ask for advice on an issue they may be struggling with."

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