Anyone can imagine that teenagers in particular can be unhappy when their friends are constantly showing themselves on Instagram with their dream bodies on the beach or surrounded by friends in the disco. But now one thing is certain: the company itself has been in the know for years.
“We aggravate problems with self-image in every third teenage girl,” wrote researchers who work for the Instagram parent company Facebook, as early as 2019. The study was never intended for the public, but “Wall Street Journal“Was able to take a look at the investigation and numerous other documents.
What Facebook found out internally about Instagram sounds very different from what Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg (37) said in public: “The research we have seen shows that it can have positive effects on mental health when People can network with others via social media, ”Zuckerberg said before the congress in March.
Mark Zuckerberg giving a virtual testimony to Congress in April
His researchers, however, write: “Teenagers blame us for mounting depression and anxiety. This reaction was unsolicited and was evident in all groups. ”
The scientists come to the frightening result: Among teenagers who expressed suicidal thoughts, 13 percent of British and 6 percent of American users said they developed these thoughts because of Instagram.
“Social comparisons are worse on Instagram”
In another study, researchers found that 40 percent of teenagers surveyed in the US and UK felt ugly after scrolling Instagram. A quarter said the app made them feel “not good enough”. For comparison: More than 40 percent of the one billion Instagram users are younger than 22 years.
These health risks are also particularly pronounced on Instagram compared to other platforms. “Social comparisons are worse on Instagram,” according to an internal study. While TikTok is about performance and Snapchat is about fun filters, Instagram focuses on success, beautiful bodies and a luxurious lifestyle.
As the “Wall Street Journal” found out, Facebook has been researching the damage to health that its platforms can cause in several studies since 2019. The scientists invited users to discussions, had them keep a diary and conducted online surveys. American politicians tried several times to get the results, but the company always blocked.
Insta boss Mosseri: “Are proud of this research”
Instagram boss Adam Mosseri with his wife Monica at the New York Met Gala 2021
According to Instagram boss Adam Mosseri (38), Facebook only realized very late that there could be problems if you network so many people with one another. “I fought very hard to ensure that we live up to our responsibilities,” he said in an interview. The investigations by Instagram are therefore valuable. Mosseri: “It’s not dirty laundry for me. I am actually very proud of this research. ”
In a reaction to the article in the “Wall Street Journal”, the company emphasizes: “A study by Harvard University describes the rocking effect of good and bad experiences that American teenagers have with social media. The same person may have an important conversation with a friend one day and then fall out with them the next day. (…) Our results are similar. Many said Instagram made things better for them or had no effect. But some, especially those who were already feeling bad, said Instagram was making things worse. “
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