A significant portion of internet users in Uzbekistan are engaged in daily activities on social networks, especially Instagram. According to statistics provided by NapoleonCat, the number of users of this network in our country is more than 6 million. Of these, about 64 percent are men and 36 percent are women. These figures clearly demonstrate how vast Instagram's influence is.
However, the question arises: should Instagram be considered as a platform that opens the door to opportunities for modern society, or are there too many hidden dangers in it?
Positive aspects of Instagram
First of all, it is necessary to note the advantages of the social network. Communication and communication opportunities are invaluable for people here. You can quickly connect with loved ones, friends, and even people from other corners of the world.
In addition, many pieces of knowledge related to science, medicine, psychology, or personal development are being shared through Instagram. For some, it's no secret that this platform has even become a school of personal development.
For entrepreneurs and large companies, this network serves as one of the most effective channels for advertising and finding clients. Instagram is practically the most convenient way to deliver a product or service to a wide audience.
This platform has also become a large stage for young people and talented artists to showcase themselves and present their works to the public.
Negative aspects of Instagram
However, Instagram is not just about positive aspects. It also has some negative aspects that pose serious dangers to society.
First of all, the creation of false images through filters and posts reflecting idealized life has a negative impact on the minds of young people. This often leads to comparison syndrome and self-doubt.
Secondly, there are many cases of fake news and manipulation. Unverified information can influence public consciousness and lead to incorrect decisions.
Personal data security is also a serious problem. Cases of account hacking, theft of personal data, or online harassment are increasing day by day.
Not noticing time is also a big problem. People who are obsessed with tracks and various videos often lose productivity in work or studies. This also negatively affects the business culture of society.
Most dangerously, children and adolescents who use Instagram uncontrollably may experience moral degradation, distraction, and psychological difficulties.
Instagram is like a two-sided handkerchief. When directed correctly, it creates opportunities for knowledge, communication, and development, but when used uncontrollably, it has a high probability of negative consequences in human life. The best way for society is to use the network responsibly and develop its positive opportunities.
Women influenced by Instagram
Although the above statistics show a relatively low proportion of women among users, falling under the emotional influence of the network is more common among women. This can be caused by their physiological processes. Physiologically, hormones play out in a woman's body every two hours, while in men this occurs once a day. This means that women are more emotional and overly emotional.
Nigora (28 years old, Tashkent)
- I grew up in a simple working-class family and got married. We live on average, I didn't complain about anything. But 2 years ago, when I bought a new phone, I opened Instagram. I had opened it before that too, there wasn't time with the children to enter. Now I feel a little relieved and interested. I observed those who taught me how to cook, how to lose weight, and so on, and received good information. Gradually, I started visiting more often.
If I remember, over the past year, when I picked up a phone, I've only seen instabloggers' travels, expensive cars, and branded clothes. I felt very poor and unlucky towards them. Gradually, my motivation disappeared, I didn't even want to go to work. I felt like I was living a very poor, boring, unhappy life. Even when I went to the kitchen to cook for my children, when I saw our old kitchen furniture, the luxurious kitchens in the bloggers' house would come to mind, and I wouldn't want to cook. I started blaming my spouse for failure, and I pointed out to others that their husbands always give flowers, and she doesn't know this. Fortunately, my husband is a person who understands, even though he's not educated. He asked me to delete Instagram from my phone, saying that he is laying the foundation for our children's future and that I am worthy of many good things. Therefore, its proper use is also very important."
What do the experts say?
Psychotherapist Guli Turaeva:
- Today everyone uses social networks. Especially on Instagram, a person recommends things that match their inner desires. The sequence of tracks, posts - travel, food, car, and so on - depends on this. From a neuropsychological perspective, a person can receive enough dopamine by seeing them. Even if they don't have it, they are happy to see beautiful, pleasant things. The harmful aspect of this is that seeing short tracks in the network depletes the body's dopamine production system. Dopamine production in the brain is disrupted, attention concentration is impaired, and memory deteriorates. There is a risk of dopamine synthesis disruption and depression.
Among social networks, it is on Instagram that everyone shows off their good life and luxury. While this motivates some, it gives pessimistic people feelings of dissatisfaction with themselves, problems with others, and depression.
Often, tired, stressed people go to Instagram to distract themselves. This is not a measure, as it can have a temporary effect, like a drug, but can lead to addiction.
Seeing idealized images on social networks evokes in many young people the thought that "I am falling behind him." This can lead to depression and low self-esteem. Parents need to pay attention to how their children filter data on Instagram. This is not only for children - adults also need to maintain balance in obtaining information and spending time on the network.
IT Security Specialist Azizbek Mamatkulov:
- Cases of theft of personal data through Instagram accounts are increasing. Sometimes people unknowingly access dangerous links or participate in fake giveaways. Therefore, it is important to apply two-stage protection and not disclose personal data.
