When Instagram-obsessed people talk about their interest in the social media site, there may be good reason to worry about the possible mental health effects of Instagram on them. Older generations may scold younger adults for using too much impersonal communication like Instagram and warn them to base their beliefs and images on the unrealistic standards the site may set.
But is that all? We’ve done several studies to show you how Instagram can affect your mental health, and the results may surprise you.
Risk/Reward Assumption
Social media is often self-reinforcing, and Instagram is no different. Scrolling through endless images releases dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone often associated with food, sex, and social interactions. Dopamine is extremely addictive as well as giving you instant happiness. As your body creates more dopamine to satisfy its endless cravings, using social media may require more and more social media continual use.
All social media depends on this cycle of addiction to achieve desired results in the industry. However, the best results for social media may not be the best for your mental health.
Instagram clearly tailors its content to ensure that users make their images as close to perfect as possible, and we are all aware that photo manipulation is a common occurrence for even the most mundane of images. The rationale behind allowing manipulation of images is twofold.
On the one hand, we want to present our best image to the world. As social creatures, humans crave love and self-esteem boosts. Instagram provides a way to get quick notifications when our photos grab the attention of friends, family, and even strangers. This increase in self-esteem is addictive as it reinforces our need to present ourselves optimally and removes all negative aspects of our lives to the public.
However, there is a down side to this. When all the images they see are perfect, users who scroll through Instagram and look at them will begin to feel inferior to the people they follow: “Of course, if all I see is perfection, there must be something wrong with my life.” We try to improve and the cycle continues.
Another aspect that plays a role in the heavy use of social media is FOMO – the fear of missing out. If people around you use the same app and you don’t, you may start to wonder why you don’t use it and you should be a part of it. “Fear of losing” is exactly that. We feel the need to connect with others even superficially, so we will often end up using the same social media platform as all the people around us. Our dopamine-craving brains need all the fuel they can get, so we start to think we can’t miss the chance to follow our friends in their endeavors.
Bad
Various research projects have been conducted to explore all the negative aspects of Instagram use. These studies reported a sharp decline in self-esteem and confidence, and an increase in anxiety and depression, due to heavy social media use. Going beyond anything but brilliant images and curated snippets of other people’s lives will leave us wondering what’s wrong with our own lives.
Altered images also pose a real threat to how we view our own body. With perfection on display in every corner of Instagram, many users struggle to understand what’s real and what isn’t. They can develop body image issues along the way. This is especially true for young people. Because adolescence is one of the most important and challenging developmental periods that humans experience, mental health problems become especially dangerous during this period.
Additionally, another study linked heavy use of smartphones with negative social interactions. So-called “phubbing” (“phone” + “snubbing”) describes frequent phone users who may have trouble keeping up with real-life interactions. Some users may even leave an ongoing call to check their phone, which negatively affects their relationships even with those closest to them. It is not surprising that phubbing is seen as disrespectful to the other party and leads to dissatisfaction in personal and business relationships.
Another study linked social media use with sleep deprivation. Regular users on Instagram tend to sleep later, and it has been found that using your phone right before bed can negatively impact sleep duration and quality. The effects of a lack of sleep can seep into other areas of our personal and professional lives and even cause anxiety and depression in severe cases.
Good
However, not everything is bad with Instagram. While studies generally agree on the harmful consequences of Instagram use, or the consistent overuse of social media in general, there are several aspects of Instagram that can positively impact our lives.
For example, one study reported that Instagram can help reduce loneliness much more than text-based media. Humans are visual creatures and pictures will give a much better response than texting. If Instagram users experience positive interactions on the platform, they are much more likely to report a better state of mind.
This positive effect of Instagram needs to be taken into account, but experts still warn against excessive use of social media. Positive interactions need to be the result of real connections, and users who pursue superficial relationships on social media are more likely to become addicted to Instagram.
Additionally, Instagram is great for reinforcing positive behavior and allowing an outlet for personal expression. Users are free to create their content and showcase the parts of themselves they are most proud of. Studies have shown that self-expression leads to a reduction in anxiety and loneliness. Users who follow close friends more than strangers are more likely to have freedom of expression and a positive experience when using Instagram. However, you are more likely to meet and connect with like-minded strangers or those who share common interests and life aspects, leading to a more positive body image and increased self-confidence.
Don’t Overdo
Research shows that Instagram can have both a positive and a negative impact on our mental health. But experts agree that the best course of action is to moderate your online presence and avoid falling into the pit of constantly checking your Instagram for new updates.
Why are you using Instagram? How many strangers do you follow? Let us know in the comment section below.
