Study: Instagram filters may indicate whether you are depressed

(WISH) – A claim that your choice of Instagram filer could indicate whether you are depressed. Your choice of Instagram filter could indicate whether you are depressed.

According to a new study from Harvard and the University of Vermont, scientists used the Instagram Photos attributes like brightness and color to better diagnose depression than an actual physician.

There are more than 20 different filers that change the color, brightness and hue. The scientists found that their computer analyzed photos and identified with 70 percent accuracy depressed Instagram posters.

Photos with deceased brightness, decreased saturation and increased hue indicated depression.

The study found Valencia was the most popular filter for people who were not depressed. Inkwell was most commonly used by people who were depressed.

Valencia lightens photos, whereas Inkwell is one of the few black and white filters.

The scientists said this could change the way depression is detected. It could lead to social media users “opting in” for analysis, which would open them up to receive message warnings that posts are indicating a mental health problem.

The study showed the correlation was accurate 70 percent of the time.