A study published in the International Journal of Human and Computer Studies concluded that the WhatsApp application has positive effects on health. It found that people who spend more time on the popular messaging app had a high self-esteem, leading to a significant psychological well-being through these platforms.
The results indicate a positive impact of using WhatsApp on users’ health, as this well-being is facilitated through a strong relationship with friends and family. Linda Kay, a professor at Edge Hill University, said, “There is a big debate about the effects of social networks on people’s well-being, which are generally seen as negative.” However, she found that using WhatsApp creates strong feelings of commitment among people who use it frequently with their loved ones and family members.
Linda Kay also mentioned that the study reflected that “the relationship of these people with their friends and family was also of good quality” and that “the closer they are with their families and friends through WhatsApp groups, the more social competence and self-respect they feel towards these people.”
This study was conducted on 200 users of the popular social network, including 158 women and 42 men. The vast majority of users used the WhatsApp messaging app because of its group conversations and platform popularity. In summary, the study concluded that WhatsApp can stimulate current relationships and communication opportunities, thus improving the positive well-being aspects of users.
