Nature images on Instagram can boost wellbeing and positive emotions, researchers say

Scientists have found that viewing nature images on Instagram can have a positive impact on users' wellbeing and emotions, in contrast to prevailing narratives about social media use. 

Instagram usage has been cited many times in previous research as having a negative impact on users, often being attributed as causing low self-esteem, unhappiness, and body dissatisfaction. 

But new research led by Dr Chris Stiff in Keele’s School of Psychology has found that when users engage with the right type of content, specifically images of nature, the platform can actually increase wellbeing and positive emotions. 

The researchers say this supports a psychological concept called Stress Reduction Theory, which suggests that nature is unthreatening and a place of tranquillity and peace, allowing us to relax. This theory also says the opposite is true for non-natural settings, with man-made environments such as skyscrapers carrying connotations of noise, crowdedness, and discomfort. 

To test this theory, participants spent time viewing Instagram images using either the #naturephotography hashtag, or a neutral hashtag such as #bookshelves, with the researchers' analysis showing that the #naturephotography group reported increased well-being and positive emotions. 

They suggest this was at least partially influenced by an increased feeling of connectedness to nature, and publishing their findings in Psychiatry International, the researchers say this positive influence could even extend to using Instagram as a system of self-care for creating positive changes in users’ mental health. 

They now want to expand their work to see if this effect can create meaningful behavioural change amongst users, and how such positive effects can be sustained long term. 

Dr Chris Stiff, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Keele University, said: “Instagram has a bad reputation, and certainly there are substantial issues with how it can affect body image.  However, this research shows that the image resources it has available can also be used in a positive way, to improve people’s lives.”