Instagram is terrible for our long-term mental health and wellbeing, according to a survey of 1,500 teens and young adults. While the photo-based platform got points for self-expression and self-identity, it was also associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying, and FOMO, or the “fear of missing out.”
Of the five social networks included in the survey, YouTube received the highest marks for health and wellbeing and was the only site that received a net positive score by the surveyed. Twitter came in second, followed by Facebook and then Snapchat—with Instagram coming in as the worst app for mental well being.
Of course, there are several positives associated with social networking. All of the sites received positive scores for self-identity, self-expression, community building, and emotional support, for example.
YouTube also got high marks for bringing awareness of other people’s health experiences, for providing