Lt Col Ankit Sharma
Instagram, it’s the app we all love so much, the app we are actually addicted to and the app we can’t seem to escape. Whether you’re scrolling through memes at 2 AM, flexing your latest outfit or just keeping up with friends, Instagram is a huge part of teenage life. But is it all sunshine and sunsets? Not really. Let’s break it down- the good, the bad and downright ugly of Instagram especially from teenagers’ point of view.
The Good: Creativity and Opportunities
Instagram isn’t just about selfies and food pics (although, let’s be honest, those are great too). It’s a place where creativity thrives. Whether you are into photography, fashion, art or just funny videos, the platform lets you share your passion with the world.
It’s also a great way to stay connected. Friends who move away? No problem, a DM or a comment can keep the friendship alive. Plus, it’s an excellent tool for learning. From DIY hacks to educational pages, there is a lot more to Instagram than just influencers.
And let’s not forget opportunities. Many teens have launched businesses, landed internships or even built careers from their Instagram presence. Social media can be powerful, if used the right way.
The Bad: Comparison and Fake Perfection
Now let’s be real, Instagram isn’t all good rides and motivational quotes. It’s also a breeding ground for comparison. Seeing people with perfect skin, expensive clothes and unreal vacations can make anyone feel like they are not enough.
There is also the pressure to post the picture perfect. The right angle, the best lighting, the ideal caption, it can get exhausting. And let’s not forget the stress of likes and dislikes. Ever posted something and refreshed the page every two seconds, hoping for more likes? Yeah, we all have been there.
Then there is FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). Seeing your friends hanging without you? That stings, it makes you wonder if you are being left out, even if it’s just bad timing.
The Ugly: Cyber Bullying and Addiction
Here’s why things get really messy. Instagram like any social media has a dark side.
Cyberbullying is real and it can be brutal. Anonymity makes it easy for people to send hate without consequences, leaving many teens struggling with self-esteem issues.
Mental health takes a hit too. Studies show that excessive Instagram use can lead to anxiety, depression and body image issues. Filters and editing apps create unrealistic beauty standards, making people feel like they need to look a certain way to be “liked”.
And sometimes, it’s not just about feelings, it can lead to real dangers. Teenagers have fallen into harmful trends, attempted risky challenges just for likes, or gotten involved in online transactions with strangers who do not have good intentions. There are increasing cases of online exploitation, exposure to inappropriate content and peer pressure pushing teens towards harmful habits. What seems like a harmless post or interaction can sometimes spiral into something much more serious.
And let’s talk addiction- Ever opened Instagram just for a minute and suddenly an hour has passed? Yeah.
The app is designed to keep us scrolling and before we know it, we have wasted half the day.
Verdict: So, What’s the Verdict?
Instagram is like a double-edged sword. It can be a space for creativity, friendships and opportunities, but it also comes with pressure, comparison and negativity. The key is to use it wisely. Take breaks, don’t believe everything you see and remember likes and followers don’t define you. Below are certain Do’s and Don’ts for Teenagers on Instagram.
Do’s:
Be Authentic: Post what makes you happy, not just what gets the most likes.
Engage Positively: Leave kind comments and support your friends.
Stay Private: Keep personal information secure and be cautious with strangers.
Follow Inspiring Accounts: Choose pages that uplift, educate or entertain you in a healthy way.
Think and Post: Consider how your content might affect you and others.
Take Breaks: Step away from Instagram when needed for your mental-being.
Don’ts:
Don’t Compare Yourself to Others: Remember that Instagram often shows the best part of people’s lives, not their struggles.
Don’t Chase Likes: Your worth isn’t measured by numbers on a screen.
Don’t Engage in Negativity: Avoid online drama, bullying or spreading hate.
Don’t Overshare Personal Information: Protect your privacy to stay safe online.
Don’t Let Instagram Control Your Mind: If social media is making you unhappy, take a break and focus on real-life experiences.
Don’t Spend all your Time on the App: Balance is key, don’t let Instagram replace face to face interactions and hobbies. They are much more beautiful and worthy of your valuable time.
“Instagram is just an app- you are the real story, the one that truly deserves to be lived and celebrated, beyond any screen”
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