A study has shown that the link between social media use and poor mental health among Gen Zers could be caused by disruption to sleep and exercise, rather than by the platforms themselves. With this in mind, social media sites are well-placed to develop strategies to reduce their negative impact.

The number of young mainstream social media users in Germany is falling as they gravitate towards other multi-media sites, like streaming services and gaming platforms. With this cohort yearning for deeper connections, brands must offer more than just a community to hold their attention.

Many modern ills point towards the overuse of social media. From the addictive interfaces and user experiences that make it hard to turn off, to echo chambers of ignorance and intolerance, ‘social’ media isn’t always as social as it seems. And, with more than half of 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK admitting they use their smartphone too much, they are confronted with these on a regular basis.

For digital natives, Facebook and Instagram are key social lifelines – but they also present a risk to users’ wellbeing as they judge themselves by what they see on these platforms. How is satirical site Lifefaker sparking a conversation about the dangers of obsessing over one’s online image?