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Instagram, one of the world’s leading social media platforms, has grown exponentially in recent years and now boasts over a billion monthly active users (Statista 2023). The platform’s engaging visual format, combined with a steady flow of curated images and Stories, has entrenched Instagram into the daily routines of a global audience—particularly teenagers and young adults. While it can serve as a dynamic tool for creative expression, community-building, and even mental health advocacy, research also shows that its impact on well-being is complicated and varies from user to user (Royal Society for Public Health [RSPH] 2017). This article explores both the potential benefits and risks associated with Instagram use, offering an evidence-based perspective on how to navigate the platform responsibly.

Keywords: Instagram and mental health, Social comparison, Body image concerns, Cyberbullying, Creative expression, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), Mindful social media use, Social media boundaries, Young adults’ mental health, Body positivity

Originally launched in 2010 as a photo-sharing application, Instagram expanded its functionality to include video posts, Stories, Reels, and shopping features, reflecting a massive digital ecosystem (Statista 2023). Demographically, the platform attracts a predominantly younger audience: users aged 13 to 29 form a large portion of its user base (Fardouly & Vartanian 2016). This age group is already navigating key developmental stages, making them particularly susceptible to the psychological influences—both positive and negative—of social media (Twenge 2017).

For individuals experiencing isolation or seeking connection, Instagram can provide digital communities built around shared hobbies, mental health advocacy, or life experiences (House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs 2020). People dealing with conditions like anxiety or depression may find peer support networks that reduce feelings of loneliness and stigma (Fardouly & Vartanian 2016).

Many users employ Instagram as a creative outlet, sharing artwork, photography, or personal narratives. Engaging in artistic expression can be therapeutic, fostering self-esteem and a sense of purpose (Australian Psychological Society [APS] 2023). Additionally, campaigns promoting body positivity or self-love demonstrate how Instagram can counter harmful cultural standards by featuring diverse body types and authentic life experiences (Cohen et al. 2019).

Mental health professionals, psychologists, and not-for-profit organisations often use Instagram to disseminate informative posts and tips on coping strategies, self-care practices, and available services (RSPH 2017). Quick, visually engaging posts may resonate more effectively with younger audiences, potentially encouraging help-seeking behaviours (APS 2023).

One of the most cited concerns about Instagram is the propensity for social comparison. Because users often present idealised versions of their lives, viewers may interpret these curated images as the norm (Chae 2018). This phenomenon can trigger self-esteem issues when comparisons highlight perceived inadequacies—whether in physical appearance, lifestyle, or personal achievements (Fardouly & Vartanian 2016).

• Highlight Reels vs. Reality: The polished, photo-edited posts may distort self-image and create unrealistic expectations, particularly around body image (Cohen et al. 2019).
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Constant exposure to peers’ activities can exacerbate a fear of being left out or not achieving as much as others, contributing to stress and anxiety (Przybylski et al. 2013).

Research indicates that platforms like Instagram—rich in appearance-focused content—can worsen body dissatisfaction among users already vulnerable to self-esteem struggles (Fardouly & Vartanian 2016). Constant exposure to filtered images may escalate body-related anxieties and potentially contribute to disordered eating behaviours (Holland & Tiggemann 2016).

• Influencers and Celebrity Culture: Influencer-driven posts often normalise narrow beauty ideals or promote unverified diet products.
• Weight-Stigmatising Content: Negative body talk in captions or comments may further normalise harmful self-critique (Holland & Tiggemann 2016).

A report by the Royal Society for Public Health (2017) suggested that Instagram, despite its strengths, ranks among the platforms most strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The visual nature and public comment culture can accelerate cyberbullying, which has been linked to lowered self-esteem, social withdrawal, and heightened suicidal ideation (John et al. 2018).

• Anonymity and Harassment: Troll accounts and anonymous messages can facilitate bullying or shaming, especially in the absence of stringent moderation.
• Negative Feedback Loops: Hurtful comments may deter users from posting, fostering further isolation and shame.

Users can unfollow or mute accounts that trigger negative comparisons or body dissatisfaction, and instead follow pages promoting realistic body images and supportive communities (Chae 2018). By intentionally selecting feeds that uplift rather than undermine self-worth, users can transform Instagram into a more positive space.

Establishing daily or weekly limits on app usage can mitigate the compulsive checking that often exacerbates stress (House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs 2020). Turning off push notifications outside designated times can also help break the cycle of continuous scrolling.

While online communities offer valuable support, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for emotional well-being (World Health Organization [WHO] 2022). Allocating time for offline relationships and physical activities can help maintain a healthier sense of self, counterbalancing the curated digital environment.

Being aware of one’s emotional responses to Instagram is key. A brief check-in—“How do I feel right now, and is browsing Instagram helping or harming?”—can guide more mindful usage (Kabat-Zinn 2003). If negative feelings arise, consider pausing or engaging in a different activity until the emotional state stabilises.

If symptoms of anxiety, depression, or body dissatisfaction intensify, consulting a mental health professional (e.g., psychologist, counsellor) is advisable (APS 2023). Qualified professionals can provide tailored strategies, coping tools, and interventions, especially when social media usage intersects with deeper emotional concerns.

Recognising these mental health concerns, Instagram has trialled features such as hiding ‘like’ counts and displaying disclaimers for sensitive content (Instagram 2021). Ongoing research examines how such interventions might alleviate social comparison and reduce pressure on users (RSPH 2017).

Policy-makers and mental health organisations are increasingly advocating for stricter regulation of harmful content, especially regarding body-shaming, cyberbullying, or promotion of unhealthy weight control practices (House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs 2020). Clear community guidelines and robust reporting mechanisms may discourage abusive behaviour and protect vulnerable demographics.

As influencers remain pivotal to Instagram’s culture, transparency in sponsored content and ethical marketing practices become paramount. Influencers can foster healthier norms by disclaiming editing, addressing mental health openly, and collaborating with verified professionals for advice (Chae 2018).

Instagram’s widespread popularity underscores the need for nuanced, evidence-based discussions about its impact on mental health. The platform serves as a powerful channel for creativity, social support, and positive messaging—particularly when users actively curate their feeds and monitor their emotional responses. Nonetheless, excessive or uncritical use can reinforce damaging social comparisons, intensify body dissatisfaction, and expose individuals to cyberbullying.

Australian mental health organisations—along with global institutions—encourage mindful engagement, including setting boundaries, selecting supportive content, and seeking professional help if mental health symptoms worsen. By balancing digital connection with offline relationships and self-care, Instagram users can harness the platform’s potential while minimising its psychological pitfalls.

• Australian Psychological Society (APS) 2023, Promoting Healthy Social Media Use, APS, viewed 27 January 2025, https://psychology.org.au/.
• Chae, J. 2018, ‘Reexamining the Relationship Between Social Media and Happiness: The Effects of Various Social Media Platforms on Reconceptualised Happiness’, Telematics and Informatics, vol. 35, no. 6, pp. 1656–1666.
• Cohen, R., Fardouly, J., Newton-John, T. & Slater, A. 2019, ‘#BoPo on Instagram: An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Viewing Body Positive Content on Young Women’s Mood and Body Image’, New Media & Society, vol. 21, no. 7, pp. 1546–1564.
• Fardouly, J. & Vartanian, L.R. 2016, ‘Social Media and Body Image Concerns: Current Research and Future Directions’, Current Opinion in Psychology, vol. 9, pp. 1–5.
• Holland, G. & Tiggemann, M. 2016, ‘A Systematic Review of the Impact of the Use of Social Networking Sites on Body Image and Disordered Eating Outcomes’, Body Image, vol. 17, pp. 100–110.
• House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs 2020, Protecting the Mental Health of Young Australians: Social Media and Responsibility, Commonwealth of Australia, viewed 27 January 2025, https://www.aph.gov.au/.
• Instagram 2021, Making Instagram a Safer, More Supportive Place, Instagram, viewed 27 January 2025, https://about.instagram.com/.
• John, A., Glendenning, A.C., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., Wood, S. & Hawton, K. 2018, ‘Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young People: Systematic Review’, Journal of Medical Internet Research, vol. 20, no. 4, p. e129.
• Kabat-Zinn, J. 2003, ‘Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future’, Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 144–156.
• Przybylski, A.K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C.R. & Gladwell, V. 2013, ‘Motivational, Emotional, and Behavioural Correlates of Fear of Missing Out’, Computers in Human Behavior, vol. 29, no. 4, pp. 1841–1848.
• Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) 2017, #StatusofMind: Social Media and Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing, RSPH, London.
• Statista 2023, Number of Monthly Active Instagram Users Worldwide, Statista, viewed 27 January 2025, https://www.statista.com/.
• Twenge, J.M. 2017, iGen: Why Today’s Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy—and Completely Unprepared for Adulthood, Atria Books, New York.
• World Health Organization (WHO) 2022, Mental Health and Well-Being: Towards Happiness and National Prosperity, WHO, viewed 27 January 2025, https://www.who.int/.

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