(CNN) – Instagram says it is looking for new ways to deter users from focusing on their physical appearance after that The Wall Street Journal revealed that Facebook researchers have repeatedly found that the photo-sharing platform is toxic to teenage girls.
The newspaper reported on Tuesday that researchers at Facebook, the company that bought Instagram in 2012, have been conducting studies for the past three years on how the app affects its millions of young users.
Research shows that the platform can damage mental health and body image, especially among teenage girls. Facebook executives have often downplayed mental health issues in public.
“We worsen body image problems of one in three teens,” said a slide from an internal Facebook presentation he obtained The Wall Street Journal, Which summarized research on adolescent girls experiencing these problems.
Among teens who reported having suicidal thoughts, 13% of British users and 6% of Americans attributed the desire to commit suicide to Instagram, a presentation showed, according to The Journal.
Instagram’s answer
Karina Newton, Instagram’s head of public policy, wrote in a statement on Tuesday referring to the newspaper’s article that while Instagram may be a place where people have “negative experiences”, the app also it gives voice to marginalized people and helps friends and family stay connected.
Newton said Facebook’s internal research demonstrated the company’s commitment to “understanding the complex and difficult issues young people may face, and reporting all the work we do to help those experiencing these issues.”
The investigation has been reviewed by Facebook senior executives, according to The Journal, and was mentioned in a 2020 presentation given to CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Instagram is betting on a change in users, but criticism against the platform continues
Newton told his blog on Tuesday that Instagram is “increasingly focused on addressing negative social comparison and negative body image.” One idea is to encourage users to look at different topics when they repeatedly see such content.
“We are cautiously optimistic that these stimuli will help direct people to content that inspires and elevates them, and to a greater extent will change the part of Instagram culture that focuses on the way people look. “, he said.
That might not be enough to appease critics. Facebook reaffirmed in July that it was moving forward with its plans to create an Instagram for children under 13, despite strong opposition from parents and lawmakers in Washington.
the Senator Richard Blumenthal, A Connecticut Democrat, said Tuesday that The Journal’s report shows that Facebook has known for years the “detrimental effect of Instagram on young people,” and that its own employees’ warnings were “set aside in favor. of growth “.
“I am horrified and alarmed that Facebook is targeting teens with dangerous products while hiding the science of their toxic impact,” Blumenthal said on Twitter. “Through hearings and legislation, my Commerce subcommittee will act to protect children and support parents.”
How to get help for someone who could commit suicide
Call 1-800-273-8255 in the United States to contact the National Suicide Prevention Line. Provides free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for people in suicidal or distressed crisis. You can learn more about their services here, including their guide on what to do if suicidal cues are identified on social media. You can also call 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone about how you can help a person in crisis. Call 1-866-488-7386 for TrevorLifeline, a suicide prevention counseling service for the LGBTQ community.
For assistance outside the U.S., the International Association for Suicide Prevention provides a global directory of resources and international hotlines. You can also resort to Befrienders Worldwide.