The photos you post on Instagram can say a lot more about you than what you ate or where you went on vacation. They can indicate whether you are depressed.
A new study by scientists from Harvard University and University of Vermont shows that people with a history of depression share more photos, use fewer filters and upload photos that are in dark or gray colors.
The research states that Instagram and other social networks can be an excellent tool for analyzing the mental state of people. Previous research has shown that the words you use in tweets or Facebook statuses can indicate whether or not you are depressed. A new study has shown that this can also be seen based on the image content you post.
Researchers reviewed more than 43.000 photos from 166 users, 71 of whom had a history of depression. They used the machine to analyze colors, light, filters and all the other tools used in photography. They found that people who are depressed post more photos that are darker in shades of gray, blue or black. Also, they use fewer filters, and if they use them, they use Inkwell, which makes the photos in black and white.
More mentally stable people like the "Valencia" option, which brightens photos. People who are depressed take more photos of their faces, unlike healthy people.
It was emphasized that the results do not apply to all Instagram users because although they analyzed thousands of photos, they were uploaded by a small number of people. People who are active on Instagram participated in the research, and they gave the scientists access to their health records, reports Klix.ba.
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