"Instagram" is no longer just an app for sharing photos and short videos with friends; it has become a space for boasting, comparison, and seeking validation from others while attracting followers. The excessive use of the platform by both teenagers and adults can lead to severe mental health issues, sometimes resulting in suicide. Most users of "Instagram" tend only to showcase the happy aspects of their lives, avoiding sharing their problems and struggles. As a result, images of beaches, upscale restaurants, joy, luxury, and ideal bodies can induce feelings of inferiority in those who compare themselves and their lives to these portrayals.
This is confirmed by clinical psychologist and lecturer at the University of Sherbrooke in Canada, André Anne Liggarie, in a statement to Sky News Arabia: "I personally treat many young people facing varying degrees of difficulty related to their use of social networks and the internet in general. In my research, I encounter adolescents struggling with issues linked to social media."
She continues, "In general, intensive use of social media is associated with an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or dissatisfaction with body image." The psychologist also notes that many teenagers and adults may have difficulties accepting their appearance when compared to the edited images displayed on Instagram.
She elaborates, "Many individuals considered role models, such as celebrities, artists, and influencers, use applications and filters to beautify and edit their photos and videos shared on social media, thus presenting a modified, often unrealistic image of their bodies. Adolescents and adults may suffer various challenges related to the desire to conform to this unrealistic image. Because of the scrutiny from their followers regarding their body image, they attempt to adopt behaviors that align with this ideal body image."
**Insufficient Efforts**
Conversely, Liggarie believes that Facebook is implementing various strategies to combat the potential negative impact of its social networks on users, but these are likely not enough. In this context, the psychologist suggests removing the number of likes under posts and indicating that a photo has been edited, similar to the approach taken by Norway. There should also be better control over targeted advertisements and sponsored content to prevent minors from seeing posts promoting cosmetic surgery or weight loss programs. Regarding excessive use, she prefers executing strategies to control the time spent on the app or to set specific times for its use.
As for the role of parents in protecting their children from this negative influence, she sees the need for them to act as guides and be role models for their children. Consequently, she states: "Parents can first pay attention to what their children are viewing on social media and maintain an ongoing dialogue about the tangible effects of this use. They may notice signs of low mood, increased anxiety, and changes in eating habits."
She concludes her remarks to Sky News Arabia: "As role models, parents themselves can avoid editing photos or altering their bodies or presenting an idealized body image on social media. Focusing on moderated social media use and choosing times to disconnect voluntarily is crucial."
Notably, the psychologist’s comments align with recent articles from the American "Wall Street Journal," which reported that Facebook has been conducting research for three years on Instagram's impact on millions of young users. According to an internal study conducted in March 2020, "32% of teenage girls say that when they feel their self-esteem and body image are low, Instagram makes it worse." The comparison of ideal body shapes showcased on this app can alter how teenagers perceive themselves and how they describe their identities. Additionally, one in five teenagers confirms that Instagram harms their self-confidence.
In a 2019 study, teenage girls accused Instagram of being responsible for increased anxiety and depression rates among them. Furthermore, 13% of British users and 6% of American users who expressed suicidal thoughts attributed this to the photo-sharing app.
It is worth mentioning that several independent studies, such as one conducted by the "Royal Society for Public Health" in 2017, have previously addressed the negative impact this photo-sharing app can have on teenagers' self-esteem, particularly given that they are constantly confronted with images of ideal bodies and lifestyles.
