The Effect of Instagram on One's Self Esteem

Social Media

Someone asks you, "Hey, what's your Instagram?" Not soon after you see their actions may change when around you. This can be negative if the amount of followers you have are low, or positive if you have a decent amount. Let's face it - people are not following you on Instagram simply because they want to see your new photos. It's a lot more than that.

The Ugly Truth

Instagram and other social media apps are not out here to make people feel good enough - or they would be out of business. These companies literally capitalize off of our insecurities and use psychology against us. For instance, when you get a like on your photo that is a sign of approval, which humans instinctively crave. They use this mechanism of positive reinforcement in order to keep users coming back for more. There is a down side to this. When someone does not get enough approval ratings they can get depressed or not feel worthy. This can be extremely damaging on one's mental health. Just remember - big corporations see you as a walking dollar sign, not a person. They will destroy your mental health and laugh as they reap the benefits.

"Instagram use was marginally positively associated with depressive symptoms..." (Lup, Trub, Rosenthal).

Instagram Today

The use of the app based on other's accounts that I have seen have a common theme. Photoshop, posting the best moments of their lives, lots of half-naked pictures for clout. In all people love to give off a false, more positive perception of themselves, and what better way to do it than social media! Sometimes people will design their internet life so well that they are unrecognizable in person. So before you get jealous of Becky, remember Becky wishes she was Cyber-Becky too.

Something I have noticed recently is that the algorithm has changed once again. My feed is now full of ads and I rarely see the PEOPLE that I follow. Also the likes I got on my posts went down 50% randomly, implying that the app shows less of what you choose to see for their own profit. Which I guess one cannot get completely mad at the app for trying to make some cash but people do not use it to see unwanted posts. 

Reasons to Keep the App

I have deleted my main account on Instagram because it no longer serves me. All it is now for me is "like my photo and I will like yours" or, "if you unfollow me I will unfollow you." There seems to be almost nothing left on the platform that is genuine. As for my two spam accounts, which I keep at a extremely low following, I have kept them. This is because of it is how Instagram should be used. A community where I keep the people I am close to updated about my life and spark conversations. If my spams had over 200 followers I would delete them too because lack of interpersonal interactions.

Another reason to keep it would be if a person is famous so they can promote new music, art or whatever their niche entails. But as personal accounts, I feel like it is best to keep them smaller. Let me know your opinions in the comments.

"Findings generally suggest that more frequent Instagram use has negative associations for people who follow more strangers, but positive associations for people who follow fewer strangers, with social comparison and depressive symptoms." (Lup, Trub, Rosenthal).

Citations 

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2014.0560