Instagram’s effect on teenagers’ mental health now being officially studied

In a groundbreaking move, Instagram is opening its doors to a select group of researchers, granting them access to user data in an effort to shed light on how the platform impacts the mental health of teenagers and young adults. This pilot program, launched in partnership with the Center for Open Science (COS), could provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between social media use and youth well-being.

The study will allow researchers to dive into up to six months’ worth of Instagram data, including information on account settings, follower counts, and time spent on the app. However, to protect user privacy, Meta (Instagram’s parent company) won’t be sharing demographic details or the content of posts, comments, or messages.

COS will be at the helm of this initiative, selecting up to seven research proposals focused on different aspects of teen mental health. Meta is keeping its distance from the selection process, ensuring the independence of the studies. Researchers will need to recruit teen participants and secure parental consent, adding an extra layer of ethical consideration to the project.

This move comes after years of mounting concerns about social media’s impact on young people. The issue gained widespread attention in 2021 when Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents suggesting Instagram might be contributing to increased rates of anxiety and depression among teens.

Curtiss Cobb, Meta’s VP of research, acknowledged the pressing need for this kind of study, stating, “Parents, policymakers, academics and technology companies are grappling with how best to support young people as they navigate online spaces, but we need more data to understand the full picture.”

While Instagram has implemented features aimed at protecting younger users, the platform continues to face scrutiny. This research initiative could provide much-needed clarity on the actual effects of social media use on teen mental health, potentially informing future policies and features.

As the study gets underway, all eyes will be on the researchers and their findings. The results could have far-reaching implications for how we understand and regulate social media platforms, especially when it comes to their youngest and most vulnerable users. That said, if you feel like social media is taking over your life negatively, I’d highly recommend watching this entire video from Cal Newport to learn more about how cutting it out of your life or at least reducing its usage could benefit you.