Instagram’s trial could help users’ self-esteem

INSTAGRAM is running a social media experiment to see what happens when it hides the number of “likes” on photos and other posts.

If you have an Instagram account, you’ll get to see the numbers but your followers won’t. They will be able to see who liked your post, but will have to count the list of names themselves.

The trial is taking place in seven countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand. Canada has just finished its trial.

It’s a bold move by Instagram, but arguably a necessary one. There is growing concern about the effect of social media on young people’s mental health and self-esteem.

Instagram explained: “We want your friends to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.”

Likes have become the heart of Instagram. By hiding them, does Instagram risk devaluing a crucial currency?

Receiving loads of likes can feel like getting a gold star. It’s a public affirmation that you’re doing good work. Under the new trial you’ll still get the gold star – but in private, and without broader recognition.

Nevertheless, the mental health repercussions of counting likes cannot be ignored. You don’t have to spend long on Instagram to find a plethora of people who are betterlooking, more successful, and more glamorous than you.

As a result, young people can be left feeling inadequate and unworthy. Many teens report feeling pressure to always show the best versions of themselves (15%), overloaded with information (10%), overwhelmed (9%), or the “fear of missing out” (9%). These reactions can see-saw, depending on a person’s particular mindset at the time.

The reaction among Australian Instagram users has so far been mixed. Many are disgruntled about the change and argue that the change will reduce Instagram’s appeal. But others have applauded the move on mental health grounds, while others still have reported they are already feeling the difference that the experiment is designed to deliver.

If this is a genuine move by Instagram to ameliorate the negative mental health effects of social media, then it’s a valuable experiment, and the results may be beneficial for some. Let’s hope so. |