ase Study: The Impact of Instagram on Teenage
C
Depression
Case Study Overview
A 16-year-old girl, Priya (name changed for anonymity),
from Mumbai, India, was an active Instagram user. She
initially joined the platform to connect with friends, follow
influencers, and stay updated on trends. However, over
time, her usage became excessive, leading to emotional
distress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.
Background and Initial Experience
Priya created an Instagram account at the age of 14. She
followed fashion influencers, celebrities, and peers who
showcased their seemingly "perfect" lives. At first, she
found it entertaining and engaging. However, as she
started comparing her own life with the highly curated
posts of others, she began to feel inadequate.
Problems Observed
1. Body Image Issues: Priya constantly saw edited photos
of influencers and classmates, which made her feel
insecure about her own appearance. She started skipping
meals and developed unhealthy eating habits to match
unrealistic beauty standards.
2. Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Seeing her friends at
parties or vacations made her feel left out and unwanted,
leading to social withdrawal.
3. Validation through Likes and Comments: Priya became
obsessed with getting likes on her posts. If a post didn’t
receive enough engagement, she would delete it, feeling
rejected.
4. Cyberbullying and Negative Comments: Anonymous
messages and negative comments about her looks and
lifestyle worsened her self-esteem.
5. Increased Screen Time & Sleep Issues: She stayed up late
scrolling through posts, leading to disrupted sleep patterns
and exhaustion during the day.
6. Declining Academic Performance & Social Withdrawal:
Priya's grades dropped, and she avoided real-life social
interactions.
Intervention and Recovery
After noticing behavioral changes, her parents consulted a
psychologist. She was diagnosed with mild depression and
social anxiety. Therapy, digital detox strategies, and
engaging in offline hobbies helped her regain confidence.
She reduced Instagram usage, followed positive content
creators, and developed a healthier perspective on social
media.
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Information on Instagram & Teenage Depression
How Instagram Affects Teenage Mental Health
1. Comparison Culture: Instagram promotes a highlight-
reel culture where teens compare their real lives with
others’ idealized versions, leading to low self-esteem.
2. Algorithm & Addiction: The platform’s algorithm
encourages endless scrolling, making it addictive and
increasing exposure to potentially harmful content.
3. Cyberbullying & Trolling: Many teenagers face online
harassment, which affects their mental well-being.
4. Distorted Beauty Standards: Filters and editing apps
create unrealistic body images, leading to dissatisfaction
and eating disorders.
5. Reduced Real-World Socialization: Excessive screen time
can replace real-life social interactions, increasing
loneliness.
6. Sleep Disruption: Nighttime social media use affects
sleep cycles, worsening mental health.
Studies & Research Findings
A Facebook (Meta) internal report leaked in 2021 showed
that Instagram worsens body image issues for 1 in 3
teenage girls.
A 2020 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found a link
between high social media usage and increased
depression in teenagers.
A 2023 study by the American Psychological Association
found that reducing Instagram usage improved teenage
mental health within weeks.
Preventive Measures
1. Setting Time Limits: Restrict daily screen time on
Instagram.
2. Following Positive Influencers: Engage with body-
positive and mental health advocacy accounts.
3. Parental Guidance: Encourage open discussions about
social media.
4. Practicing Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from
Instagram.
5. Seeking Professional Help: If Instagram negatively
impacts mental health, therapy or counseling can be
beneficial.
Conclusion
Instagram can both positively and negatively impact
teenagers. While it fosters creativity and connections, its
excessive use and unrealistic portrayals can contribute to
depression. Awareness, moderation, and digital wellness
practices can help mitigate these risks.
