Welterweight contender Conor Benn has warned about the dangers of social media as many, young and old, struggle with their mental health in increasingly challenging times.
Son of British boxing icon Nigel, Benn (16-0, 11 KOs) has improved markedly under the tutelage of trainer Tony Sims since turning pro in April 2016 as a novice fighter with minimal amateur experience.
But Benn, who turns 24 next week, has revealed he has moved away from Instagram and other networks to preserve his own mental well-being as the implications of social media abuse have become more evident.
“Social media is a killer,” Benn told The Sun. “It does have benefits but I now feel the bad outweighs the good, especially for mental health and even more so among young people.
“I am only 23 and I really didn’t realise that young people could even have problems like depression and anxiety. But I feel now that social media is really contributing to that.
“I have read stories about young kids harming themselves — or worse — because of the pressures and influences of social media.
“Social media has allowed people to walk right into your front room and smack you in the mouth completely anonymously, without you being able to do anything back,” he continued.
“I am not programmed to just take it like that — I’ll take a dig but only if I can give one back. I have stayed off Instagram for four months. I have my accounts, but they are run for me and I feel so much better for it.
“I just don’t need people blowing smoke up my backside. But I also don’t need people abusing me for no reason and bringing negativity into my life.”
The marketable Benn is expected to challenge British 147lbs champion Chris Jenkins in his next fight.
Main image: Matchroom Boxing.