Instagram Could Be Toxic For Teens

The Wall Street Journal published a report today that states Facebook ($FB@US) has found its Instagram app harmful for teenagers. Facebook has administered studies over the past three years and found Instagram most notably harms teenage girls. According to an internal Facebook presentation, 6% of U.S. teens who reported suicidal thoughts linked the issue to Instagram. 13% of British teenage users reported a link to the app. 32% of teens girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse. Facebook also found that 14% of boys in the U.S. said Instagram made them feel worse about themselves. Researchers warned that Instagram’s Explore page, which delivers curated posts from various accounts, can push users into harmful content. The app has a culture of posting the best pictures and moments and can operate as an addictive product. Young users are essential to Instagram’s success. More than 40% are 22 years old and younger.