Whether it's capturing a picturesque view, a cute pet or a perfect-looking plate of food, many photographs on Instagram give the impression that life is beautiful. But according to new research, images posted on the social network may actually reveal if someone is struggling with depression. Posting photos that are blue, grey or dark in color and using the "Inkwell" filter, which converts color photos to black and white are all clues according to the Harvard study. The researchers believe the photo-sharing app could be a new form of early detection for mental illness, but is the culture for over-sharing and bragging on social media also to blame for making us feel down in the first place? A previous study by two German universities showed that "passive following" on Facebook triggers feelings of envy and resentment in many users, with holiday snaps being the worst offenders. But according to author and journalist Jessica Winter, "Facebook is actually not the greatest underminer at the social-media cocktail party... That title goes to Instagram," she says, where the trend for beautiful, filtered selfies (自拍照)and picture-perfect lifestyles reaches a whole other level. Comedian Juliette Burton, who has struggled with depression and anxiety, agrees that social media can be unhelpful. "They say a picture is worth a thousand words but it's never the full story," she says. "You don't know what else is going on behind this collage (拼贴画)of pictures. In my experience social media is a hindrance when it all feels very fake and competitive. It's very rare to see people posting about dark stuff. When they do it's a massive cry for help. When you're in the middle of a difficult time and you can't get out of bed, these aren't the moments that I'm reaching for my camera phone." But Bryony Gordon, journalist and author of the book Mad Girl, says there is some comfort among the selfies. She set up the group Mental Health Mates through social media after battling with OCD (强迫症)and depression. Bryony says: "I felt completely alone. But after putting a message on Twitter about meeting up with others who struggle with mental health issues, people turned up for a walk. Through the power of social media, I've met so many new people and it's great support. It shouldn't be your only point of help but it's that jumping-off point to help you realize you are not alone." What is the finding of the Harvard study? A. People who post images on the social network are often more likely to be depressed.B. Sharing photographs on Instagram may affect one's mental health in a negative way.C. The color of photos posted on the social network may tell if one suffers depression.D. Social networks like Instagram may have an adverse influence on one's mental health.

Whether it's capturing a picturesque view, a cute pet or a perfect-looking plate of food, many photographs on Instagram give the impression that life is beautiful. But according to new research, images posted on the social network may actually reveal if someone is struggling with depression. Posting photos that are blue, grey or dark in color and using the "Inkwell" filter, which converts color photos to black and white are all clues according to the Harvard study.

The researchers believe the photo-sharing app could be a new form of early detection for mental illness, but is the culture for over-sharing and bragging on social media also to blame for making us feel down in the first place? A previous study by two German universities showed that "passive following" on Facebook triggers feelings of envy and resentment in many users, with holiday snaps being the worst offenders. But according to author and journalist Jessica Winter, "Facebook is actually not the greatest underminer at the social-media cocktail party... That title goes to Instagram," she says, where the trend for beautiful, filtered selfies (自拍照)and picture-perfect lifestyles reaches a whole other level.

Comedian Juliette Burton, who has struggled with depression and anxiety, agrees that social media can be unhelpful. "They say a picture is worth a thousand words but it's never the full story," she says. "You don't know what else is going on behind this collage (拼贴画)of pictures. In my experience social media is a hindrance when it all feels very fake and competitive. It's very rare to see people posting about dark stuff. When they do it's a massive cry for help. When you're in the middle of a difficult time and you can't get out of bed, these aren't the moments that I'm reaching for my camera phone."

But Bryony Gordon, journalist and author of the book Mad Girl, says there is some comfort among the selfies. She set up the group Mental Health Mates through social media after battling with OCD (强迫症)and depression. Bryony says: "I felt completely alone. But after putting a message on Twitter about meeting up with others who struggle with mental health issues, people turned up for a walk. Through the power of social media, I've met so many new people and it's great support. It shouldn't be your only point of help but it's that jumping-off point to help you realize you are not alone."

What is the finding of the Harvard study?

• A. People who post images on the social network are often more likely to be depressed.
• B. Sharing photographs on Instagram may affect one's mental health in a negative way.
• C. The color of photos posted on the social network may tell if one suffers depression.
• D. Social networks like Instagram may have an adverse influence on one's mental health.