Does Your Instagram Show That You Are Depressed?

[@crimsonnin2]

My inability to keep up with social media shows that I'm depressed.

[@dariondubiuos123456]

crimsonnin2 same

[@Ninja9191]

That's pretty healthy, although KZbin/Reddit/etc. could be classified as social media. But I don't really see the point of facebook/instagram, most of the things people post don't really have to be posted in my opinion. But hey, maybe I'm just cynical.

[@melaniecrevier1847]

It's not scientifically proven so you should don't believe what they said!

[@JoolieJulie_]

Insta is my main social media and the main reason would be that it's because i just follow people posting dub memes about my favourite fandoms and such I think it's really like a KZbin but post version

[@Ninja9191]

That's a fair point. I should've said that usage of too much social media is bad, like with all things. I have used social media a long time ago and I noticed that whenever I posted something, it was because I was looking for attention, validation, or I was just showing off in general. I didn't like that about myself, it felt narcissistic, for lack of a better word. But I agree that social media is just a way of connecting with people, I'm just projecting my own feelings (insecurities?) onto other people. I only use Whatsapp to meet up with a small group of friends, and that's fine for me, I tend to be more introverted anyways. For me, keeping myself busy with projects and being on my own gives me more joy than keeping track of other's lives, not that there is anything wrong with that. It was a pretty bold claim, I admit.

[@Donar23]

I'm too depressed to use Instagram ...

[@brandih4567]

I feel you 👌👌

[@Sasha-xp2mf]

instagram gives me anxiety same

[@user-qh4db9lk6u]

this is awkward they are called as plastic.

[@goblindonor69]

What's interesting is that I didn't use to do these typically depressed things on Instagram when I was happier. I posted less pictures, used more filters, and rarely posted selfies. Now it's the opposite. I post a lot of pictures, especially selfies, they're usually slightly out of focus, and have dull, faded, tones. Also, the more comments less likes phenomenon might occur because depressed people will often post text images that talk about depression related things, such as feeling like shit or wanting to die. People won't like the post because that would signify to the poster that these depressive thoughts are to be encouraged, rather, people comment things that are supposed to uplift the poster.

[@fanrulerjynx5665]

This is really fascinating! It's an interesting way to look at mental disorders through social media and actually put effort into studying and observing how people are. I like that you two both sat together and bantered about it, made this study feel more real. Please let us know about more studies like these!

[@MidnightMoonProductions]

Ikr

[@ameena6485]

But you can still post images pretending you are at a party, when you are not, or you can post selfies when you are at a party because other people do not consent. Also you can post images from ages ago and pretend it was taken recently. It's easy to lie on instagram, and there are so many people who paint a positive picture of their life using social media, when it's not all that rosy so I wouldn't use this as a diagnostic tool. EDITED TO ADD: I thought about it for a little while and I think that you shouldn't make assumptions about someones instagram, such as dark filters means that they are depressed. Both dark and light filters could be due to eyesight problems. Also for some people words are easier so we should use twitter/facebook if the therapist knows they like to express themselves through writing. In general, don't make any assumptions about the client. Let them explain why they did what they did. I think this is a good tool as it uses other facets of someones life as well, but I think it should still be used with the traditional method of diagnosing someone, perhaps as a way to confirm the diagnosis.

[@teresablue2553]

Many trained professionals have trouble diagnosing depression through conventional means. We always run the risk of self-diagnosis when aiding the public with information about health, but many may also see it as a more evidence that their concerns are valid and seek professional judgment. It isn't a perfect tool, but there really isn't any when it comes to mental health, and personally I believe in the potential of the concept. However, you have raised much needed points health practitioners and the public should bear in mind.

[@kinzy816]

Ameena I completely agree with this. As someone professionally diagnosed (accurately) and I have been for a good while - this just doesn't seem very reliable to me. I didn't fit in to a single one. Maybe this can be a helper or something, but depression is so individual based that instagram really shouldn't be something that is used to diagnose.

[@flotin9743]

Agree on both of you. It's an interesting approach but it needs more improvements...

[@ameena6485]

Flavio H. Campos I suggested an improvement in the edits of the comment

[@keyarca]

it's the beginning of greater things. if we can somehow translate something as abstract as the brain and mental health into a computer that would truly be amazing. it's already proven that these computers can diagnose better than most doctors. not to say that it should replace professionals, but it can definitely be used as a tool by them. as many said this is very tricky with depression differing between individuals and also how they use their social media (ex. pretending to be happy by posting bright photos) but to disregard it completley is wrong. it's also important to keep in mind that this is not meant to be an official diagnosis!! it simply notifies the person asking them if they are depressed and directs them to the help they need. for people who may not realize it this will be tremendous help and I believe everyone should be on board with this.

[@meh2354]

I figured it out No. Of memes X Time spent on Instgram = Amount of depression

[@humanperson2775]

Lol I have no memes posted so I good

[@OtterPup_]

0 memes posted

[@blake6509]

This would show that i am EXTREMELY depressed. I share like 20 memes a day.

[@fencerowe3083]

I have a meme account because I have notjing better to do. I go on instagram when I'm bored, which is very common for me. Guess I'm extremely depressed...

[@robyn656]

Infinite

[@brandih4567]

I don't have an instagram, what does that mean? Am I dead? Finaly

[@j4_ni]

Brandi h yes you dont exist lol

[@Mykasan]

there's no picture of me on my instagram. what does that say about me...?

[@kayasinensis]

self conscious?

[@KingDayDayDay00]

Mykasan think you're not attractive or you're a criminal

[@h3llboyyy407]

You are compromised by fear of what others may think of you. Too busy being on the outside and watching inside. I'm going to guess you watch reaction videos a lot? No? Well if you do then that's clearly a sign.

[@carboy101]

Mykasan I feel you. Out of the 150 pics I have 7 actually have me in them. My are mostly interesting things I see around my city or in my travels.

[@sonalirai5835]

Mykasan You live in a culture where you realise that you don't need social media to live or have a happy social life. Social media is not the only way to have a social life. Humans were social organisms before social media and will remain so. Whether you are on social media or not is a personal preference and it can also be influenced by different things like keeping in touch with friends or simply professional reasons.

[@violencia6164]

My face shows that I'm depressed.

[@ivanmontes3852]

Ok

[@sully9726]

mine is exclusively memes about suicide, no im not depressed

[@nailaamin9681]

then why tf would you post memes about suicide if you've never been depressed/suicidal, with all due respect

[@sully9726]

Naila Amin dude like I'm sorry if it came of like that was serious, it's hard to show sarcasm trough text, the last part was sarcastic, sorry for the confusion

[@nailaamin9681]

haha it's alright, sorry for sounding hostile lol didn't catch your sarcasm

[@sully9726]

Naila Amin ah dude don't worry about it

[@full_time_internet_hobo8278]

Elle J. Byrd good to know

[@alexp9621]

More comments/less likes, might be about (in some cases) posting negative stuff - where friends won't "like" it but may want to lend support?

[@kindauncool]

A selfie isn't negative imo unless you have a noose around your neck like wtf

[@izzyind2117]

Me: let's see if my instagram says I'm depressed *realises 16/20 posts are me going to the theatre*

[@jtveg]

I never use filters on my photos because I feel a photo should look the way I saw the image with my eyes and not an artwork.

[@michealserem]

exactly

[@namirmeti]

Apparently.... I'm Depressed.. lol

[@humanperson2775]

I put no filters and only take pictures of my dog, most of which are in a dark room...

[@namirmeti]

Animal Gamer Well... doggy! ! haha. And same. I don't use filters tbh. And I don't have pets soo :(

[@aniela4903]

Same

[@gerardpastrana8672]

"The THOTS are real people" lmao

[@AshlynnAspires]

What if you don't use any social media? Does that mean you are depressed? Facebook and Instagram made me depressed so I stopped using it. Am I depressed right now? No.

[@cc3184]

Fabulous cat on a unicorn no it probably means you are less depressed as you are doing other things rather than being on social media.

[@ashleyjohnson258]

Fabulous cat on a unicorn if you say you aren't then no, no you aren't.

[@lachrymarum_]

greg, your nail color is to die for !! 😵 yall should upvote this if you agree & also wanna know the brand/shade name 😇

[@heatedcandle2421]

hana bee this is late but *hey I found a name buddy!*

[@savanahkent9215]

I'm not sure how well this would work because my only Instagram is a fan account so I'm not sure how that plays into the studies

[@rosieisla8286]

I think the comment thing can have a lot of causes, but I think the most likely cause is conversations. The amount of times I've complimented people and gotten a huge conversation about "No I'm not cute!!! I look terrible!!!" is worrying.

[@stephaniemercedes7968]

Rosie Isla Same... it's sad how girls are afraid to take a compliment.

[@kinzy816]

This is neat and all, but I've been professionally diagnosed with chronic depression and not a single guideline was something I fit in to. I must be an outlier or something? Does anyone else feel like this? I think it's hard to tell by social media because a lot of people put on different acts for the general public and such... it's just hard when it's so generalized.

[@adrian-4767]

What were the causes of your supposedly "chronic depression"? The symptoms

[@kinzy816]

Adrian - I have little interest or pleasure in doing anything at all, suicidal thoughts, a history of self harm, wanked sleeping schedule, and many other symptoms. You sound like you're questioning me when you barely know me? I take medication for my depression, I'm actively going to therapy, so it's odd to hear someone over the internet so sceptical of me when they don't even know me.

[@adrian-4767]

Bro i'm not judging you, i asked because i myself have depression too, i got over it once (5 months ago) after being depressed ALL my life (more than 12 years), now i am depressed again and plan to get over it again. I really can help you if you let me to do so (no meds involved). i almost commited suicide man, no joke. I wonder if there's a way to contact you

[@kinzy816]

Adrian - Adrian - Oh gosh I'm incredibly sorry for coming off so aggressive. It's hard to fully understand tone over comments. Basically, the way my depression has worked is I'll have a bit where I don't have major depressive episodes but it acts up again before 2 months are up. It's been pretty consistent lately because meds aren't too helpful. I'd love to discuss and help you out as well, again sorry for sounding so angry!

[@adrian-4767]

no problem, i currently have depression (after getting over it 5 months ago) and, you do know that we depressed people are very sensitive to other people's comments (i am angry very often, even with the people i love). meds will definitely *not* cure your depression, i'm telling you from experience. do you have an email or something?

[@suna173.6jm]

I'm glad you post content about mental health, it's so interesting and important :>

[@amira3856]

"Different video different video" 😂😂😂😂😂😂 can't wait for that one

[@reneecao2429]

what if you have a fanpage 💀💀

[@airplainchild]

I think it's interesting that according to this study, based on my instagram I wouldn't be pegged for a depressed person, when in fact I'm severely depressed.

[@butter_nut1817]

Never knew I was depressed...

[@lauradftba4653]

This is a really interesting video. Thanks for making it!

[@katjakonc9742]

Greg I just had to say this: I LOVE your nails, such a cool shade, where did you get it?💅🙈 Also I wanna say great video guys ive been following you for a while you are great ❤

[@floydian51]

I enjoyed the video and mental health awareness and advocacy is so important right now. I do have ONE request, please encourage people that feel like they may be depressed or suffering to reach out to a Mental Health professional. My GP just thought I had anxiety (because GPs aren't as specially trained in mental health) but my psych and therapist saw that it went much deeper.

[@nirvanakamala2809]

Do they post or like dank memes? Yes? They are most likely depressed

[@tune9340]

Nirvana is an awesome band ( I finished your sentence)😂

[@jomol4598]

Great now im gonna passively upload more pictures of me with friends and use brighter filters 😂

[@megan55121]

This is such a cool video because this is exactly what I want to do with my career! I want to go into social media analytics, which is using our "arsenal of social media" to find patterns and trends among people and then use that data to make decisions. So I love this!

[@Daliena]

This is just...wow... I am a photographer and I do not use filters because my photos are good without having to use a damn Instagram filter. In fact, using an Instagram filter is a pet peeve of many photographers and photos are tagged #nofilter to show off the photo itself. And I bet your study found every artist and photographer also depressed since you know, they probably post their art mostly and their photos, which are probably not of their friends. I wonder what age group was reviewed, 16 year olds? Most introverted adults will avoid posting a photo of themselves or photos of other people. Questiin comes to mind -why would I start posting photos of my friends on MY account to begin with? My account is filled with my photography and art and those are happy and vibrant photos. I barely have any people photos there because people are not my passion. You dont HAVE to be around people to be happy. There are many of us that avoid people to achieve happiness. Therefore, this study can be thrown into garbage and you guys need to find a better study to put your efforts into.

[@maxerinjames]

If you know how to take pictures and what lighting to use, and the settings to have on your phone or camera you will not require a filter to make a "vibrant" picture.

[@alexthompson7339]

This dude seriously painted his nails. Lol flamboyant and proud

[@Izac291]

I understand that psychology is studying the soul/mind as a whole, but I personally use Instagram to keep up with other people/events, not to post pics of myself, I'm sure other people do aswell.

[@tyleraldh7070]

Mine is a wholesome meme page

[@baconjam3164]

Your nails are👌

[@fluffywolfiecat4444]

Georgiana Peachey I just ruined the 69 likes

[@iPanicyt]

Georgiana Peachey fjfkdjfjehgshkdldihcekdjdnn. Joken dkfkgj djsjslf rksigj djsjal fils Krogh Aldi fjfhga flfl selv gifte hkhuv skabet fiflen gbdlaib fnfkgug skslalbf djxhchudb skdlfigu rjeudjfj ejeudyxt rndlsigucyct dkfkgicufkdbdvf hl icifuofkdkdbsv dkfkgigifkdhshd dkflglfædnb dbdksosb sry new phone

[@ItsMay]

Social Media was taking up so much of my time and making me miserable, so I just gave up my phone! I am so much happier now!

[@scientistsbaffled5730]

It'sMay Cell phones are among the foulest items that are on this earth. They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, they grow like fungus where it is decay, they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them... Get too near a cell phone and every good feeling, every happy memory will be sucked out of you. If it can, the cell phone will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself... soulless and evil. You will be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life. Arguably the scariest magical (technological) item of the your universe, a cell phone feeds upon human happiness and leaves its victim in a state of depression and despair. The Dark creature's ultimate weapon is called the Wifi, which it gives when it removes its cloak, clamps its jaw around a victim's mouth, and sucks out his or her soul. This fate is often considered worse than death. The Wifi leaves the person in a persistent vegetative state, and a person in this condition does not have the option of becoming a ghost, since a person's soul must be in tact to roam the earth

[@yessicanavar6238]

What if we don't post anything on Instagram?

[@austinhernandez2716]

Yessica Navar what if we don't even have Instagram?

[@krushkam83]

Greg, reflection in your eyeglasses distracts me!! :D

[@justsomegirl7274]

IF YA DON'T POST ON INSTAGRAM THEN THIS AIN'T FOR YOU, STOP BEING ALL "What if I don't use IG???" LIKE DAMN LOL

[@ace.of.space.]

hmm this is a very interesting study with results that I would not have expected. I have depression and I didn't post on instagram for over a year at some point haha.. I hated instagram as it's a social media where people post their best moments and was just fuel for insecurity for me. Thus I entirely avoided the platform. But of course every person's different... I hope utilizing machine learning and social media to better diagnose and treat mental illness is continued! It's really important to address the issue and I like the way this integrates our current best tech to do it.

[@kalpnasaxena9112]

I knew my emo instagram would come in handy one day, I waited for this.

[@robyn656]

All the people I know post depressed captions and none actually are depressed

[@yougoododin8920]

Great vid guys keep em coming

[@andrianaparamagarjita627]

Love his nails ❤

[@kcthewanderer]

My abandonment of all social media shows that I was depressed, made a change, fixed my attitude, bucked up, chinned up, and...who am I kidding I'm still depressed.

[@madalinablue6745]

That blue nail polish is so nice :3

[@Chubbybubby007]

Those reflections in his glasses were too funny lol

[@sharadaoak9971]

I love you guys!! Awesome videos!!

[@Hzylle]

I think I am having a serious case of depression as I only have 2 photos in my Instagram . lol . ive stopped using instagram months ago.

[@its_lapis_lazuli1277]

what if my instagram is full of memes and fan art

[@RaashLaura]

There is no doubt in my mind that I have depression but my Instagram only falls into a couple indicators. I don't know if I am an outlier because I am an artist/photographer but the program would probably predict that I am not depressed.

[@phantrash.-.no.1256]

When I logged back into my Instagram account it said "Someone who saw something on your account thinks your having trouble or going through things if you need help call this number" ....it was the suicide hotline....

[@cheyennemarchetta]

I saw this article and I did a current events report on it. I loved reading it because it is something my friends and I struggle with. We feel depressed but we must have some type of social media

[@Rushi_83]

i am not consistent at any social sites and good to say that i m not on Instagram and fb just twitter but not 12hrs so i m far from depressed.!

[@taymay8836]

I only post dank memes on my Instagram.... what does that say about me?....

[@erinzowie1]

all of these factors are the complete opposite of my Instagram... yet I'm diagnosed by multiple psychiatrists with depression lmfao. but I admit my Instagram used to follow these "guidelines" before I started trying to not look depressed. nonetheless, thank you for bringing awareness to mental health!!

[@alancostello7500]

Using social media to judge whether people who you don't know personally are depressed or not...yeah seems perfectly reasonable.

[@Daliena]

Alan Louis Costello makes me want to make my account private... This study needs to go straight into trash.

[@alancostello7500]

I hope these guys aren't as trendy as posting a video like this makes them seem. Where's the inquisitiveness?

[@NicoleSelvaggio]

Is that why I keep getting ads for antidepressants?

[@femkeboon6506]

For a second there I was like 'wait, my account has almost all those things' and then I realised I am indeed depressed and that makes total sense. Smh

[@athenacaputo]

I don't know if I'm the only person but when I look through people's social media, I get this inkling that someone might be struggling with their mental health or are just going through a rough time based purely on their social media posts and the frequency of those posts.

[@PixelFigurena]

Well i don’t have any photos .... How can i tell?

[@M1rela]

I find that when I'm depressed I post less or not at all, because I don't like myself during that time and I barely find anything about me or around me interesting or worth sharing. I do spend time on the app though, just not on my own posts. Also, just in general, I tend to very rarely post photos that have other people in them, because most of my friends don't have instagram profiles and I feel it would be unfair of me to make the choice to share their image publicly if they themselves don't do that.

[@stgeorge4559]

Thank God I haven't used any socail media like Facebook for 6 months now and tell you what I feel great for it

[@Sammyyaam]

The fact that I don't post anything is a clear sign

[@remcob8892]

I could decipher the whole damn lightning setup used, just by the reflection from your glasses dude. It's really distracting.

[@H.O.P.E222]

That's so true Bc i used to post a lot of photos with ppl when I was happy and now I have only photos of myself Bc I am depressed now lol

[@TheGoldenDunsparce]

I don't have an Instagram, but if someone checked my phone, every picture would be pics of my dog napping...

[@moonwalkingyoonminphantras6635]

When you're depressed, but the opposite of everything that you should be 😂😂

[@nettle8605]

Yes! Love the nail polish! I have one in the same colour! Not many people seem to wear that shade, but I think it's one of the best! Sorry, that was off topic...

[@thatclassygirl5094]

Omg that nail polish tho! I need that color Great video btw

[@EmmyRainbows]

what if I'm too depressed to use social media and dont take pictures of myself

[@onyekaobilo]

The comments to likes difference makes sense in the sense that likes are more correlative with amount of friends than comments seeing as one individual has infinite opportunity to leave comments but only one like, ergo more likes = more friends but more comments doesn't necessarily

[@SamAth21]

These seem to be like one of those causation vs correlation things (especially the like and comments one). Personally, as an extremely and chronically depressed person, I have so many pics that I take and instantly think "this should go on social media", but I just don't have the energy or motivation to actually do it. I also almost always take photos of my surrounding/scenic places rather than myself or other people. But I take alright photos and want them to look good because I so rarely post them, so I do use filters, and lots of hashtags. Which is also why I don't post a lot. SometimesI get to the hashtags stage and am, like, 'fuck it, I can't type all these words.

[@xxNATHANUKxx]

Memes are my life

[@aimée_sao]

xxNATHANUKxx same. Only the *e d g y* ones though.

[@whitneyhodge3787]

Will you make a video parody of shape of you about atoms and the cells that make up a human body?

[@madisonculp9070]

I have depression and this was really weird because most of these I do. I don’t apply filters and I post sometimes three times a day.

[@steffiwibisono1611]

I do agree that depressed participants do not meet people a lot.

[@woof1028]

Does it apply to KZbin?

[@zoebrattle8972]

I used to always use Twitter till I had to deactivate it

[@cuptaincapcake]

Greg is reflecting the ring light.

[@bobsleann]

I think it would be extremely interesting to see those studies on my instagram. I don't know what they would conclude. I think it's an interesting concept that should be brought to the psychologists' world, since it would make their job easier in a sense. Also to keep up with the pacient's progress.

[@chelseabroe6948]

As someone who used to use social media as an outlet for depression, I think the more comments/less likes thing would be because depressed people post depressing photos/captions. People don't "like" it because it's sad, and they comment to see if the person is okay, which also leads to the poster responding to comments (not sure if that would have been counted in the number of comments).

[@GraceKi92]

I post more on Instagram when I'm happier and less when I'm depressed

[@anthonycasiday2875]

The "more comments less likes" makes sense to me because that means you have more close friends

[@reneelee4795]

I don't need Instagram to tell me that :,)

[@carboy101]

That's pretty interesting. Looks like mine says I'm not depressed yet.

[@syahmirmanaf]

Instagram can totally make you depressed. You know why.

[@summermcd4749]

I actually kinda noticed that my friends who are more depressed and insecure have a tendency to post more selfies... interesting.

[@keyla3751]

I was just on instagram....then I saw this notification...

[@p-h-a-n-t-o-m]

Wow I guess my Instagram shows that I'm depressed...

[@Tinyflower1]

Also, the worst thing about mental health and insurance is. I'm diagnosed with chronic ptsd and other things. And trauma therapy is the only thing that helps, yet they'd pay for meds (that don't help) no problem, but only a certain amount of therapy is covered a year. And I'd need 1h a week at the minimum to get better. I wish insurance programs were more treatment oriented

[@adrian-4767]

i can help you to get over depression Cookie panda. i myself have depression too, i got over it once (5 months ago) after being depressed ALL my life (more than 12 years), now i am depressed again and plan to get over it again. I really can help you if you let me to do so (no meds involved). i almost commited suicide, no joke. is there any way to contact you? (telegram, skype, anything) i really can help you

[@deeptimakhija3520]

i love your nail polish colour 😍

[@nettle8605]

Deepti Makhija It's such a pretty colour, right?

[@deeptimakhija3520]

Nettle couldn't agree more.

[@Rainis-tx4rn]

Jokes on you, I don't even use Instagram or Snapchat

[@outa11bizness]

I have never owned an Instagram account. Do I even exist?

[@somegibberish3346]

1:52 i guess that explains my meme acc

[@demateric533]

This is a very interesting video, but what if you're shy and depressed?

[@SynchrotizedPsychotherapist]

I think this is a very good idea. However, I am an I introvert and usually appear alone in photos but am definitely not depressed, on the contrary. So it is an indicator perhaps but not a stand alone

[@SC-cq9ie]

Anyone else is annoyed by the refection of the light on Michell's glasses .. or is it just me ? 😂