IMPACT OF INSTAGRAM ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF KIDS AND TEENS

 IMPACT OF INSTAGRAM ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF KIDS AND TEENS

FB is pausing its move to launch an ‘Instagram-Kids’ app following scrutiny from lawmakers and other groups over how it impacts teem girls & their mental health.

In mid-September, there was an explosive report by WSJ (The Wall Street Journal) that FB knew from its own research that Instagram was harming some teens (especially girls), leading to mental health & body image problems; in some cases, even eating disorders and suicidal thoughts.

 • FB has acknowledged that it makes body image issues worse for 1 in 3 girls.

 • Additionally, several teen users also blamed Instagram for the increasing rate of anxiety & depression.

 • A majority of IG users said that they started feeling ‘unattractive’ due to IG.

However, according to IG, the research was focused on a limited set of findings and social media’s impact on people’s wellbeing is “mixed” & depends on the state of mind when people use it.

According to FB’s research, many users said that IG makes things better or has NO effect BUT it may make things worse for those who are already feeling down.

Studies have shown that social media in general, is fuelling anxiety & depression in users across age groups, IG needs special focus.

The addictive nature of IG, its emphasis on “best moments”, filters that enhance skin tone / lighten the eyes, and the dominance of influencers who promote a glamorous lifestyle, can create a toxic environment; for teens who might be struggling with self-worth, this can be a potent combination.

“Instagram is like a drug and it needs to be studied,” said a researcher to WSJ.

While IG is trying to fix some of its problems, IG is a place where everyone wants to maintain an image, live up to an ‘ideal' image.