Social media is a major part of our lives as Americans. In 2021, it’s been par for the course for Americans to use various social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, etc., to keep in touch with loved ones and share status updates.
With the increasing relevance social media plays in the lives of Americans, many people also sign up for these sites to stay up to date on current events, follow their favorite businesses, and so much more.
However, in recent years, some conversations have come up in regards to the dark side of social media sites. In the case of Instagram, the platform is taking some heat in regards to its impact on the mental health of teenage girls, according to Fox Business.
The Darker Side of Instagram
On Wednesday, GOP Sen. Mike Lee shed light on a study that shows Instagram’s concerning impact on teenage girls’ mental health; other popular social media sites were included in the review as well.
According to the Joint Economic Committee’s study, 32% of teenage girls who struggle with feelings regarding their bodies stated that Instagram worsened these struggles.
READ → Teen mental health has been declining for more than a decade, especially among girls.
Today, JEC Ranking Member @SenMikeLee released a report investigating how Instagram use may be a contributing factor.
— Joint Economic Committee Republicans (@JECRepublicans) December 1, 2021
Moreover, the overall rise of social media in the era of the 2000s also directly correlated with a surge of anxiety and depression. Despite certain benefits of Instagram and other social media sites, the Joint Economic Committee’s findings are not good.
In correspondence with Fox News, Sen. Lee touched upon these very pressing matters. The Republican lawmaker stated mental health (notably amongst teenage girls) has been on a collective downturn for more than ten years.
The senator also directed Fox News to studies demonstrating the connection between exposure to social media and teen girls wrestling with increasing levels of self-harm and depression.
What is the Solution?
There’s no denying the problematic nature of the link between Instagram and adverse mental health impacts on teenage girls. Nevertheless, with these details in mind, it begs to question what the appropriate solution entails.
At this time, much of it falls back on the parents. Parents of teenage children, especially teenage girls, should be monitoring the use of their kids’ social media.
Perhaps, parents could also have more family time that would inherently lessen the amount of time young people use sites like Instagram.
🚨 Time spent on social media is linked in a significant way to depression and self-harm for teen girls, according to findings released today by @SenMikeLee and @JECRepublicans.
Read the full report here: https://t.co/fLm0lJkeVFhttps://t.co/7QBoAaAElm
— Joint Economic Committee Republicans (@JECRepublicans) December 1, 2021
Mental health is no joke. The quality of anyone’s mental health plays a significant role in the choices they make and how they’re impacting others around them. Amid this study from the Joint Economic Committee, there is an obligation for parents to step up and protect their kids.
What do you think about the latest data from the Joint Economic Committee? Are you concerned about the negative mental health impacts Instagram has been proven to have on teenage girls?
