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SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram ranked the 'worst impact on young people's mental health'

IT'S BEEN revealed that Instagram has the worst impact on young people’s mental health of all social media platforms.

In the poll, young people were asked which five popular social media apps had the most negative effects on them, with both Snapchat and Instagram considered to have the most negative impact on their health and well-being.

Based on the findings by Royal Society for Public Health’s (RSPH) study, YouTube raised the least mental health-related concerns among those surveyed – followed by Twitter and Facebook.

The RSPH study said social platforms should identify users with mental health issues.

Speaking on the findings, 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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