Karina Newton: "[T]here is a trend and pressure among teenagers to get the most likes possible on content, and an apparent corresponding impact on mental health / anxiety levels."

"We started discussing hiding likes in December 2017 after a joint policy and well-being roundtable in LA to solicit feedback from the community – the discussion revealed how big of negative impact like counts were having, especially on young creators. This led us to make it an ask for the well-being team to explore in May 2018 as part of H2 planning process. From my ask to Ameet:" "PROBLEM: as well as a broader sense that Instagram has created a #FOMO culture and a need to be perfect, there is a trend and pressure among teenagers to get the most likes possible on content, and an apparent corresponding impact on mental health / anxiety levels." "We also know that follower numbers are something that kids really care about and get anxious about. Is there a way that only the account holder can see that?" "WHY IT MATTERS: Policy advocates are increasingly raising this trend with us, and the theme of FOMO and pressure continues to build in the press."