Social media: A window to the soul
Researchers believe that the type and frequency of a person’s posts could determine if they are depressed.
RESEARCHERS believe people’s social media activity can reveal a lot about their mental well-being.
Psychologist and mental experts are now turning to social media to explore how they can monitor the ‘emotional pulse’ of individuals, communities, nations and even our entire species, according to the BBC Future’s World Changing Ideas Summit.
One study suggests that the type and frequency of a person’s posts can reveal a lot about the personality of the poster as well as their mental state.
Extroverts are said to be post frequently and predominantly about social activities, while people with a low self-esteem tend to post more about their romantic partners.
Neurotic people on the other hand, are said to turn to social media for validation. Their status updates will boast about their achievements.
A lack of social media networking can also indicate mental health problems. A decline or sudden void of posts could be a sign of depression or suicidal thoughts.
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