British model David Gandy says social media is a source of depression for people.

British model David Gandy says social media is a source of depression for people.

The 37-year-old has as many as 700,000 followers on Instagram and more than 100,000 followers on Twitter, but has warned of the dangers of living through the lens of social media, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"It is something people need to look at. People are depressed. In a world where we are supposed to be so diverse and communicative, I see people put a phone or tablet on a dinner table," Gandy told Campaign magazine.

He says that social media users can easily build up an unrealistic image based on photos posted online.

But he rubbished the suggestion that his own body image is unrealistic as he works hard to maintain his physique.

"I train like an athlete and you don't look at an athlete and say their body image is unrealistic," Gandy said.