New York. Facebook-owned photo and video sharing platform Instagram helps young adults develop friendships in real life, especially among those who are more hesitant to meet new people. This research has been published in Online Computers in Human Behavior. Researchers at Washington State University have analyzed the survey responses of about 700 college-going adults about their use and perception of social media sites.

Washington State University lead researcher Daniel Lee said, "Our findings are promising that a friendship can occur if we introduce ourselves on the intagram, even if a new follower is introduced."

The analysis found that young adults preferred instinctive use of Instagram.

This encouraged them to express themselves on the social media site, resulting in new and deeper relationships becoming a reality. (IANS)