Key Sentence:
- Instagram, which belongs to Instagram, has been criticized for hiding its internal research on the impact of social media on teens.
- According to the Wall Street Journal, research shows that teens blame Instagram for increased anxiety and depression.
Campaigners and lawmakers say this is proof that the company puts profit first. Instagram said the survey showed their “commitment to understanding complex and difficult issues.” The Wall Street Journal report, which Facebook denies, found:
- A presentation slide from 2019 says: “In every third teenager, we exacerbate body image problems.”
- Another drop says teens blame Instagram for increased anxiety and depression
- A 2020 poll found that 32% of teens surveyed said they felt worse on Instagram when they felt bad.
- Around 13% of teens surveyed in the U.K. and 6% of U.S. users follow their suicidal ideation on Instagram
- Instagram has run many focus groups, online surveys, and diaries over the years
- In 2021, he conducted a large-scale study of tens of thousands of people, combining user responses with their data on time spent on Instagram and what was viewed.
In response to the WSJ report, Instagram posted a lengthy blog defending its research.
The history of the WSJ focuses on “a limited number of insights and throws them into a negative light,” he says, but the subject is much more complex. “We’ve done extensive work on bullying, suicide and self-harm. And eating disorders to make Instagram a safe and supportive place for everyone,” the company said in a statement.
Based on our research and expert feedback, we’ve developed tools that people can use to protect themselves from harassment. We’ve given anyone the ability to hide their likes, and we’re continuing to connect people who can fight local aid organizations. “
He’s working on clues to encourage people who continue to focus on negative topics to engage with other issues, he said. And he promised to be more transparent about his research in the future.
“Advantage before the injury”
“Instead of working to make the site secure, they’ve stymied researchers, regulators. And governments, and engaged in public relations and lobbying to prove otherwise.” Damian Collins MP, chair of the U.K. Parliamentary Committee examining how much technology needs to be regulated to protect consumer safety, said it was time to “take it to court.”
“An investigation of the Wall Street Journal’s Facebook files found that the company had repeatedly penalized profits,” he said. “Their research shows that many teen Instagram users say the service makes them feel worse – but the company just wants to make sure they keep coming back.”
The Online Security Act aims to give Ofcom regulators the power to fine companies that do not interfere with content that could be harmful.
U.S. Fair Play Campaign (formerly the Ad-Free Kids Campaign) said the news shows that Instagram is not a place for kids. “By stepping out of the book about Big Tobacco, Facebook is playing down the negative effects of its product. And hiding this research from the public and even members of Congress who specifically requested it,” he said.
“And in a demonstration of the best chutzpah and abandonment for kids. The company is now looking to post little ones on Instagram.” Fairplay also urged the U.S. government to ask Facebook to start a poll and block its plans to launch Instagram Youth.