Page 22 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 10_2023

Today's Child

TEENS &

INSTAGRAM

B Y DR ELSE RU ANE

t seems that the unreality of social media feeds for the user based on their previous seeing.
is harming people more than benefitting searches, hashtags and other users they • The pseudo-positivity of IG encourages its
or entertaining them. This is particularly follow. IG has three account settings to users to present an attractive image to get
Iconcerning for parents of teens. For choose from namely private, business or maximum followers.
anyone not used to the ins and outs of open. Teens that access IG for popularity may • It presents unrealistic, edited images
Instagram, here’s a brief overview of what choose to set their accounts up as business and posts that directly speak to teens.
it’s all about. or open. The widest net for gaining followers They quickly forget that people edit their
and ‘friends’ would be an open account. But photographs. These can lead to the risk of
Instagram (IG) is a visually-led social media this also means anyone on the internet has developing an unhealthy body image. They
platform where the primary method of access to all your posts, photos, and videos, can also set unrealistic expectations and
interaction is double-tapping an image to thus ultimately has access to you. An open create feelings of inadequacy and low self-
like it. The app allows users to post their account for a teen is asking for trouble… esteem.
photos/videos to their feed – these are • Teens start investing more time online
often edited or enhanced prior to sharing. According to Time.com, international studies at the expense of communicating and
Anyone with an IG account can see another have been done and IG is considered to be interacting in real life, in sports, and in
person’s account. By following the person, the worst social media network for mental friendships.
one is able to access their online gallery. To health and well-being. While IG got points • IG is always about looking flawless. It is not
make posts easier to find, users make use of for self-expression and self-identity, it was real.
hashtags or captions. associated with anxiety, depression, bullying • IG creates a popularity contest.
and the fear of missing out (FOMO). IG looks
Locations may be shared which opens up friendly and fun, but: COMPARE AND DESPAIR
all sorts of concerns. IG also tailor-makes • Users have little control over what they are IG makes it is easy to compare the number

24 DPL issue 9 2023
22 DPL issue 10 2023
20 DPL issue 8 2023