Instagram seeks to curb psychological harm to teenagers

On Tuesday, the company said it will protect itself from reports that social networks are detrimental to the mental health of young girls.

Instagram’s head of public policy, Karina Newton opposed a report from The Wall Street Journal that Facebook’s research shows that photo-centric Instagram services hit teenagers, especially girls.

“Studies on the impact of social media on people’s well-being are mixed, and our own research reflects external research,” Newton said in a post.

She further said, “What seems to be most important is how people use social media and their state of mind when using it”.

She quoted a Harvard study that focused on the “seesaw” of positive and negative experiences that teens in the United States experienced on social media.

Teens can clash with the same person the other day after enjoying connecting with friends on social networks one day.

The journal reports that Instagram has reduced the harm done to millions of young people connected daily.

“As issues such as negative social comparisons and anxiety exist in the world, they will also exist on social media,” Newton added.

According to Wall Street Journal, internal research has pointed out that teenagers have accused Instagram of increasing anxiety and depression.

“Instagram has been working to address the issues of bullying, suicide, self-harm and eating disorders published on the platform,” Karina pointed out.

According to Newton, Instagram now understands what types of posts are offensive to viewers and seeks ways to “nudge” content that is likely to make people feel good.

“We are increasingly focusing on addressing negative social comparisons and negative body images,” said Newton.

Meanwhile, Instagram is creating a version of social networks for children under the age of 13, a move opposed by child safety advocates.