Tag: mental health
Instagram’s hiding likes feature now official – and optional
More than two years after it first began experimenting with hiding likes, Instagram is now making the feature official. The app will now allow all users to hide likes, though it’s keeping the feature optional and users will need to enable the hide like count option in their settings. The change is a watered down…
Little association between tech and mental health problems in teens, claims study
A new Oxford University study that examined data from over 430,000 adolescents in the UK and US claims there is "little association" between technology and mental-health problems. The Oxford researchers investigated the links between social media use and depression, emotional problems and conduct problems. Researchers also examined the associations between television viewing and suicidality as well as…
Over 1 in 3 UK business managers sought mental health support in last 12 months
A survey of UK business managers has revealed how the pressures of COVID-19 have impacted their mental health with over a third seeking professional help, according to new research from NerdWallet. The financial comparison platform commissioned an independent survey of 908 UK businesses managers. It found that since the first UK lockdown on 23 March 2020,…
Blue Monday: Top Tech Tips for Beating Loneliness
As 2021 dawns, many of us were hoping for a brighter year than 2020. But in reality, we're still a long way from socialising in real life, with this year's Blue Monday (so-called because it's widely considered the most depressing day of the year) poised to be the toughest yet... Research from cybersecurity company Kaspersky…
Mobile users turn to yoga apps to de-stress during lockdown
Mobile users turned to calming yoga, recipe and painting-by-numbers apps as stress and anxiety levels rose during the lockdown period, with use soaring by almost half (45%, 45% and 44% respectively), according to new research from Uswitch.com, the comparison and switching service. Reading and audiobook apps such as Kindle and Audible saw their use rise…
Mental Health app could help young people who self-harm
A smartphone app designed to manage negative emotions and periods of anxiety could help to reduce self-harm in young people, according to research. BlueIce is a prescribed app – meaning access must be given through medical professionals – and is designed to be used alongside traditional face-to-face therapies. It was developed by clinical psychologist Professor…
How Music Influences Our Decisions
The effects of music on our mental state are well-documented. Music is often used for therapeutic purposes, whilst there are literally hundreds of playlists on Spotify dedicated to music that claims to help us study, work out, relax, and party. One thing that is less clear is how music can actually influence our decision-making processes.…
Instagram boss says site ‘not yet where it needs to be’ on self-harm and suicide content
Instagram boss Adam Mosseri has said the social media platform is “not yet where it needs to be” on its handling of content around self-harm and suicide. The head of the Facebook-owned platform said a comprehensive review had been launched by the firm into its policies around such content, and it would begin adding “sensitivity…
Barclays mobile banking customers can ‘switch off’ spending by sector – including gambling
Mobile banking customers can now choose to block their ability to spend with certain types of retailer, in a move which could put people struggling with addictions more in control of their finances. The new feature launched by Barclays could help those dealing with gambling problems, for example, to cut off their spending in betting…