Instagram posts may help diagnose depression: study

A recent study has revealed that minute details like the filters you chose, the colour tone of the images, the captions and emojis you can reveal much about your emotionsThat social media has an effect on our mental health, negatively, so to speak is well known to all of us. But did you know, your social media feed or Instagram to be feed to be precise can actually give a peek into our state of mind?
So, if you’ve been feeling a little down lately, your Instagram feed might be a huge indicator. A recent study has revealed that minute details like the filters you chose, the colour tone of the images, the captions and emojis you can reveal much about your emotions. The research was carried out by a pair of researchers from the University of Vermont and Harvard University. The pair have come up with an algorithm that may be helpful to detect signs of depression.
The study was published in the EPJ Data Science Journal. For the study, the researchers conducted surveys that 166 participants. They applied the algorithm to the 43,950 photographs posted by the participants on Instagram.
After the researcher pair combined the results, they found people exhibiting signs of depression often used the colours of blue, and grey tined filters for their images. These people were also more likely to click pictures that were dim-lit and had fewer people in them. These people also featured fewer people and were more likely to click more selfies, going to prove that may not be spending more time with friends or family.
The algorithm was able to point out that depressed individuals often used the Inkwell filter (black and white) on Instagram. In a stark opposite scenario, happy people found an affinity towards the Valencia filter which made the pictures appear warmer and brighter.
The research’s algorithm as of now can identify 70% of the cases correctly, way better than the 40% accuracy shown by the doctors.
However, the best part about the research is the fact that the algorithm’s ability to spot the symptoms of depression even before clinical diagnosis. This could mean that this technology might be useful to reach out to people who may be suffering from a mental health condition and provide them help sooner. It could also help filter out the wrong diagnosis.
As of now, you don’t need to be worried about your own Instagram images. The algorithm is long away from being used on the masses!