Instagram is a photo-sharing app for iPhone, Sorry Blackberry & Android users. Like any other social network, it is based around having friends or followers. It allows users to share pictures and videos either publicly or privately on the service, as well as through a variety of other social networking platforms.
The Instagram is even well loved by celebrities. But what it create effects on the teenager?
The Same question arises at the Belgium university and scientists found something very surprising.
Scientists found that Instagram use may actually strengthen the closeness of adolescents friendships. The goal of the scientists to find the relationship between social networking site use by Flemish students and their well-being.
In the study, scientists asked students about their use of sites – like Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram. They even asked volunteers about mental health indicators like depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and loneliness. The data showed that frequent Instagram use for some students resulted in an increase in depression six months down the line.
At the other side, some students reported it led to closer friendships with their peers and a perception that they were appreciated and loved by them.
Previous studies were only based on Facebook use and well-being. But, this is the first ever study based on Instagram use that discovered the relationship between Instagram use over time and well-being in adolescents. It is also the first study that examines the role of adolescents’ closeness to friends in the dynamic between the two.
Dr. Frison said, “This age group may be particularly at risk for the impact of Instagram, given the increasing popularity of Instagram in adolescence and the increase of depressive symptoms during this stage of life.”
“This study offers practitioners greater insight into the outcomes of adolescents’ Instagram use.”
“More specifically, using Instagram can be both beneficial and harmful for adolescents’ well-being. If using Instagram stimulates adolescents’ closeness to friends, it is beneficial in the long run, but if Instagram is not capable of that stimulation, it is harmful in the long run.”