Competition for likes and followers takes its toll
We all know that Instagram can be a harmful place, it all depends how you use it. BBC News have recently published Instafix, ‘will leaving Instagram make me happy?’ We explore the trials and tribulations of the popular app.
It follows Nicole and Tali who are friends who met through Instagram. After running accounts based on health and exercise they changed their accounts to focus on mental health.
When it comes to Instagram a lot is focused on weight and shape and this can put young people under pressure to conform.
“I felt really defined by how well my account was doing,” said Nicole.
“It does start to play on your head what’s bad about you and so good about them,” said Tali.
“I still feel all the time that I’m not skinny enough, not pretty enough,” said Tali.
Our Readers
We shared the Instafix story on our Facebook and our readers had some things to say about Instagram:
Lewis Cameron Ham said, “I always wonder how people I know, who are my age, get to go on holiday so much.” Instagram seems to be full of constant holidayers and only the lucky few can actually afford that kind of lifestyle, it’s just an image.
Pieryck Ammerich said, “It’s funny how Instagram never makes me jealous of others but makes me wonder what I’m doing with my life.”
Pieryck noted how he has a great and exciting life and yet he feels like his life cannot compare to the people making stories on Instagram.
Do we have a problem with social media if something that is meant to be fun is making us feel so down about ourselves?
Instagram can be great, it can make us feel brilliant but the comparison and aspirations that it offers can be harmful. Nicole and Tali met on social media, proving that it can be a positive platform for connecting with people but it has its downfalls.
In extreme cases the pressure that Instagram can make us feel can be deadly. This month Instagram have implemented sensitivity screens in the wake of 14-year-old Molly Russell’s death to block harmful content for users.
The problem with Instagram is that we compare ourselves to others, looking at the highlight reel of their lives. Posting a picture and getting no likes can prove anxiety inducing to young people.
With our help here at Project.esc we can offer advice on how to positively navigate social media.
