Instagram Getting Rid Of Likes Is HUGE For Mental Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Instagram Is Making Moves For Mental Health By Getting Rid Of Likes, It's About Time

Props to you, Instagram Headquarters. Keep up the good work.

376
Instagram Is Making Moves For Mental Health By Getting Rid Of Likes, It's About Time

I think we can all agree that social media is so addicting, I mean that's been proven over and over, but what makes it so addicting? Is it the appeal of constant attention from your friends and/or strangers? Is it that we are so obsessed with the way our lives look in comparison to others? Is it the need to constantly gain more likes and more followers than the next? The answer to all of those would be a big fat, yes. Those all play a huge part in the addictive properties of Instagram.

I will admit that even I struggle with caring way too much about my Instagram image from time to time, it's just way too easy to get sucked in.

Another notable point, social media is not good for your mental health if it isn't used "correctly" (although, I believe the correct usage is subjective). Looking at Kendall Jenner's unrealistically perfect body on your feed every day and seeing her insanely lavish life is very clearly damaging to your confidence and how you feel about your own life overall. You look at all the likes she gets when posting herself almost fully naked and can't help but subconsciously make the connection that she's getting so many likes because she's perfect — honestly, that's gross.

First off, I would like to say that each one of us is made uniquely for a reason. You are literally the only you there will ever be, so to spend your time wishing you could be somebody else is so sad and not worth the time. Embrace who you are. We're all beautiful.

So, the question is, how much of the responsibility falls onto the creators and coordinators of the app? When do they take accountability for creating such a toxic environment? I'm sure these weren't their intentions starting out, but as things evolve you can't just throw your hands up and say, "Well, I didn't mean to!" You have to evolve with it.

Very recently, Instagram put out an update that removes the number of likes from our feed. The only ones you can see are your own and let me just tell you, I am SO here for it.

Removing celebrities and influencers would probably be a greatly useful change, but an unrealistic one. For some, Instagram is their livelihood and that shouldn't be taken away from them. However, removing likes from being seen by anybody but the owner of the account is a change that is beneficial to the observer and doesn't really affect the owner of the account. I have always liked the app VSCO for this exact reason. You can't see the number of followers someone has or the number of favs/reposts they receive on each post, but you can still create captions and share your pictures. You just aren't able to comment, which I could do without, but it's nice to be able to engage with the people who care about your content, so it would be reasonable to keep it.

So, all this being said, what changes are still left to be made? I believe that Instagram should shift a little more towards the VSCO atmosphere, but just with comments still available. Seeing how many likes or followers everyone has is unnecessary and damaging. The only person who needs to know those things is the owner of the account. Will it change the content people are posting? No. That is something Instagram can't completely control outside of what is clearly inappropriate. However, this is a start to a healthier environment on one of the most, if not the most, popular social media platforms there is.

Report this Content
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70814
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132425
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments