How Instagram affects our self-esteem
Social media has a huge influence on our daily lives and behavior. Instagram in particular has gained popularity in recent years as it provides a platform to share our images and thoughts with others. Instagram can have both positive and negative effects on our self-esteem. In this article, we will explore how addiction to likes affects our self-esteem and what measures we can take to protect ourselves from it.
The importance of likes on Instagram
On Instagram, likes are an important indicator of the popularity of a post. The more likes a post receives, the higher the chance that it will be seen by many people. Instagram also has a feature called “Exploring,” which highlights popular posts and accounts on the platform. This gives users a chance to expand their reach and audience. Because likes and follows are so important to the growth of our accounts, it can be very easy to become fixated on and addicted to these numbers.
How Instagram affects our self-esteem
Likes and followers can influence the self-esteem of users on Instagram. When a post receives a lot of likes, it can trigger feelings of success and validation and boost our self-esteem. However, when a post receives few or no likes, feelings of failure and rejection can arise and affect our self-esteem. The need for recognition and validation through likes can become addictive and have a negative impact on our mental health.
A 2017 study examined the connection between Instagram and teenagers' self-esteem. The results showed that Instagram use carries a higher risk of depression and anxiety among teenagers. Another 2018 study found that women on Instagram are more likely to experience negative impacts on their self-esteem, particularly when it comes to their appearance.
The distortion of reality on Instagram
Another problem with using Instagram is the distortion of reality. Many users present perfect pictures of their lives on Instagram, which often do not correspond to reality. These images can make us feel inadequate or unattractive when we compare our own lives to the images of others. Another problem is that many influencers on Instagram make money promoting products and often present an image of a “perfect” lifestyle. These images can make us feel inadequate or dissatisfied with our own lives when we compare ourselves to them.
Tips to avoid addiction to likes on Instagram
- Set boundaries: Try to spend a limited amount of time on Instagram and take regular breaks to distance yourself from the platform. Make sure that Instagram does not become a central part of your life, but rather that it remains an addition to your life.
- Be selective about the accounts you follow: only follow accounts that make you feel positive and that reflect your interests and values. Avoid accounts that trigger negative feelings or that make you compare yourself to others.
- Be aware of the distortion of reality: Remember that many images on Instagram often do not correspond to reality and that other people's lives are not always as perfect as they may seem on Instagram. Focus on your own successes and achievements and don't let the perfect world on Instagram influence you.
- Look for other sources of validation: Don’t just rely on likes and followers as a source of validation. Boost your self-esteem by focusing on your personal relationships and accomplishments.
- Talk to friends and family about your feelings: Share your experiences and feelings with friends and family who can support you and help you overcome negative thoughts and feelings.
Conclusion: Instagram can be a great platform to share our thoughts and pictures with others. However, the addiction to likes and the pursuit of perfect pictures can affect our self-esteem and have a negative impact on our mental health. We should be aware of how Instagram affects our self-esteem and take steps to protect ourselves from it. By setting boundaries, being selective about the accounts we follow, being aware of reality distortion, seeking other sources of validation, and talking to friends and family, we can protect ourselves from addiction to likes affects our self-esteem and makes us unhappy.
Video by Nena Schink: “Unfollow! How Instagram is destroying our lives”
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Also read:
Instagram: This is how you can protect yourself from dangers
Further information on this topic can be found at: www.dak.de/internetsucht
Notes:
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