Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, where millions of people upload photos and videos every day, tracking the lives of their friends and celebrities. Today, the platform is not only a source of inspiration but also plays a significant role in evoking dissatisfaction, insecurity, and depression in people. Instagram is filled daily with new photos, videos, stories, and reels, but how does this impact us? Does Instagram have more negative than positive effects on mental health?
Beauty and Perfection Demands
Instagram and similar social networks encourage people to compare themselves with others. On the platform, photos and videos often portray ideal body shapes, expensive cars, luxurious houses, fascinating travels, and an ideal lifestyle. This, in turn, leads users to constantly compare themselves with others, making their everyday life seem boring, unimportant, or lower in status compared to the "happy lives" they see on Instagram.
In psychology, this process is called social comparison. Extended use of Instagram often leads to low self-esteem, dissatisfaction with appearance, and feelings of "I'm not enough." This is particularly harmful to teens and young adults who are in the process of figuring out "who am I?" and may suffer more from this comparison.
Many images and videos on Instagram depict idealized lives, beauty, and perfection, which do not always reflect reality. If someone accepts these images as the standard for real life, it can lead to psychological pressure, stress, family conflicts, and even health problems.
Pressure from Likes and Followers
On Instagram, the number of likes and followers has become a measure of self-worth for many people. Posts that don’t get many likes make users feel uninteresting or insignificant, leading to mood swings, depression, anxiety, and self-doubt. Psychological studies indicate that especially teens and young people are more reliant on external validation, as they are in the process of developing their identity.
Likes and followers on Instagram essentially become a "measured value." That is, people start to measure their worth not through real-life achievements or personal traits, but through numbers on social media. This process strengthens the brain's reward system: each new like triggers the release of dopamine. Therefore, a dependency on social media forms.
Time-Sucking Scrolling
One of Instagram’s main features is keeping users engaged on the platform for as long as possible. This is often done through "infinite scrolling," where algorithms continuously show content that matches the user’s interests, keeping them occupied for hours with images, videos, and clips.
As a result, users spend a large portion of their time on unproductive activities. Daily tasks, studying, or personal development are pushed aside, and productivity decreases. Additionally, the constant updates and quickly changing stories scatter the user's attention, leading to mood swings, anxiety, and stress.
Hidden Positive Aspects
Instagram undeniably creates great opportunities for creative thinking, knowledge sharing, business management, and self-promotion. Many young people use the platform to earn extra income and meet new people — the user determines how to utilize this platform.
Furthermore, using social networks effectively is crucial for maintaining mental health and using time more efficiently. It’s essential to use Instagram consciously so that you not only stay happy but also value every moment of your real life.
Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
