Safer Instagram? Meta unveils new safety measures for teens

There has been an increased focus on the correlation between social media use and the negative mental health trends in teenagers. Platforms like Instagram have made it a priority to improve their safety features for underage users who are more susceptible to the negative consequences of social media use. Teens who use social media for more than 3 hours per day may be at a higher risk for developing depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, disordered eating habits and body-image issues. 

Meta, the owner of Instagram (and Facebook), has recently unveiled new safety features for teens who use Instagram. Age verification, time limit reminders and illicit content blocks are all a part of Instagrams plan to make the platform safer for teens. Instagram “Teen Accounts” automatically place those 18 and under in a protected mode that limits certain content and interactions. Putting these measures in place is a necessary step in protecting teens from the negative impacts of social media. 

Background: Meta sued for fueling youth mental health crisis

In 2023, over 40 states in the U.S sued Meta for designing a platform that can become addictive and does not have measures in place to protect underage users. The Attorney General stated that Instagram and other social media platforms manipulate children and teens and have contributed significantly to the mental health crisis in the younger population. 

The lawsuit mentions the dopamine-manipulating features that use a targeted algorithm and unlimited scrolling as a way to engage teens into obsessively using Instagram.  

Can teens actually get addicted to Instagram?

Problematic social media use (PSMU) in teens has skyrocketed in recent years and describes an inability to control social media use and the negative consequences of overuse. Many overusers of social media experience negative behavioral problems and disruptions in everyday life. There is currently no official diagnosis in the DSM-5 for social media addiction, but it may be considered a subcategory of technology-related compulsive behaviors.

Teens and adolescents are especially vulnerable to developing an addiction to Instagram due to a significant period of development that occurs during this time. A teens' brain can become rewired to seek out the instant gratification that social media use can give them and create problematic use. 

The nature of social media is undeniably addictive for many. Instagram affects the reward center  of the brain and can cause surges in dopamine when used. Shares, comments, likes, targeted content and unlimited scrolling trigger more dopamine hits and aim to keep teens in an unhealthy cycle of addictive use.

What makes Instagram so addictive for teens?

Teens are among the highest users of Instagram and their risk of becoming addicted to social media rises with their constant use. Instagram has engineered a way to keep teens coming back and even more difficult for them to stop using the platform.  

The habit loop model of Instagram was designed to get a user's attention and encourage them to go into the app. Once on Instagram, a live feed and unlimited scrolling supports continued engagement from users. Instagram uses an algorithm to drive specific content based on an individual's interests to their feed. Tailored content sprinkled into someone’s feed provides a dopamine hit that can make teens want to keep scrolling. 

Signs of Instagram addiction & compulsive social media usage in teenagers

It’s commonplace to see teens scrolling, posting and liking on Instagram for hours on end. While social media use is a normal part of adolescent life, there is a point where Instagram use can become harmful and negatively affect their daily life. There are signs to be mindful of that indicate a teenager may be addicted to social media. 

Signs of Instagram addiction in teens may include:

• Being on Instagram for hours on end without breaks

• Mood swings when they are not on Instagram or told to reduce their usage

• Prioritizing Instagram scrolling over school work or chores

• Instagram is affecting their physical health (not sleeping, skipping meals, not showering) 

• Instagram interactions directly impact their mental health or mood

• They would rather be on Instagram than interacting with people in the real world

• They display feelings of anxiety or stress when not using Instagram 

Treatment options for teenage Instagram & social media addiction 

Research has found a direct correlation between the overuse of social media and its negative impact on teens' mental health. Caretakers and the education system need readily available, effective treatment options to help teens manage Instagram use. Treatment for Instagram addiction may take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting depending on an individual's needs. Therapy techniques such as CBT or motivational interviewing may also benefit teens who are struggling with social media addiction. 

Virtual therapy is becoming a more popular option for social media addiction treatment as well. Birches Health offers individualized care that is 100% remote for teens suffering from Instagram addiction. If your teenager is struggling with Instagram addiction or compulsive social media use, reach out to the team at Birches to schedule a free consultation or refer a friend or loved one confidentially. 

Sources:

• The Addictiveness of Social Media: How Teens Get Hooked

• Instagram makes all teen accounts private, in a highly scrutinized push for child safety

• Introducing Instagram Teen Accounts: Built-In Protections for Teens, Peace of Mind for Parents

• States sue Meta, claiming Instagram, Facebook fueled youth mental health crisis

• ICD-11-Based Assessment of Social Media Use Disorder in Adolescents: Development and Validation of the Social Media Use Disorder Scale for Adolescents

• How Social Media Affects Your Teen’s Mental Health: A Parent’s Guide

• The effects of cognitive-behavioral group therapy for reducing symptoms of internet addiction disorder and promoting quality of life and mental health