Notes
Social media has been associated with many negative issues, one of which is mental health. The article states that social media have been responsible for the deprived mental health among the users. The research was conducted on different social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and other discussion board. Findings state that there is an excellent connection between Instagram and the psychological well-being or the mental well-being of an individual. It is in the record that the use of Instagram has resulted in depression symptoms and other adverse effects.
Description
During the study of the impact of Instagram on mental health, I came across an article entitled “The relationship between frequency of Instagram use, exposure to idealized images, and the psychological well-being in women” (Sherlock et al., 2019). The report provides robust evidence on the negative impact on the mental health of a woman. Therefore, I assume that chronic use of Instagram has adverse effects on males too.
Analysis
Participants in the study were one hundred and twenty-nine women who were between the age of 18 to 35 years. The method of data collection used was filling questionaries where the women were to answer a series of questions about mental health results and self-perception. Participants were also exposed to various beauty, fitness, or Instagram images. A control experience was used where they were exposed to no pictures. The pictures were used to measure their attractiveness on Instagram.
Reflection
Frequent use of Instagram is associated with stress, depression symptoms, low self-esteem, questioning about one’s physical appearance, anxiety and stress, and body dissatisfaction. In addition, beauty and fitness images are responsible for reduced self-esteem and decreased self-attractiveness. This is because people think that others who post their pleasant moments are doing better than them. Therefore, the study implies that people should be educated about chronic Instagram use and its negative impacts.
Reference
Sherlock, M., & Wagstaff, D. L. (2019). Exploring the relationship between frequency of Instagram use, exposure to idealized images, and psychological well-being in women. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 8(4), 482–490. Web.