"As humans we have underlying traits which social media exacerbates. Instagram doesn't cause these, but it enhances them. Growing up immersed in the social media world, young people are increasingly developing personality traits which are harmful to their wellbeing"

"Feelings in the moment dictate how well you cope... In-the-moment feelings determines resilience to cope with content they see online." • "Underlying emotional states play a key role in a young person's ability to deal with the content they see. If they are having a bad day, they know they are more vulnerable to what they see online." • "This was particularly true for social comparison. The more a young person is feeling bad, the more vulnerable they are to negatively comparing themselves to others." • "Some young people were able to recognise the impact of looking at IG on their feelings for the day, and had tried to stop themselves looking at their feed in order to protect themselves." • "Others' recognised that they were still compelled to look at Instagram, even if they knew it would make them feel bad." "'When you're miserable you look at every comment on your profile and think that they comments are bad. You're feeling bad and so you think that people are giving you fake support, because you know your spotty and feeling fat' - UK Female" "Young people need help in seeing the value of creating balance in their use of social media. Knowing when you need to take a break, and what steps make you feel better is important." "Instagram is the worst platform for mental health... Instagram is called out for being the most problematic social media platform for mental health. But it's also the most popular." "Young people are acutely aware that Instagram is bad for their mental health, yet are compelled to spend time on the app for fear of missing out on cultural and social trends." "They associate IG with: • Intense pressure to conform to social stereotypes • Pressure to match the money and body shapes of famous influencers • Need for validation and likes from others • Bullying, hate speech and friendship conflict • Over-sexualisation of girls' bodies • Inappropriate adverts that sell weight loss products." "'Depression and anxiety are so much worse than before, and the only thing that's changed is social media.' - UK Female" "Teens blame generational MH issues on Instagram... Constant comparison on IG is 'the reason' why there are higher levels of anxiety & depression in young people." "Social comparison and perfectionism are nothing new, but young people are dealing with this on an unprecedented scale." "The proliferation of new and different ways to compare themselves to others, combined with constant access to means that there is no way to escape social comparison on IG." "This was called out as being the number one reason why IG is worse than other platforms for MH. And, young people openly attribute their increased level of anxiety and depression to Instagram." "'The reason why our generation is so messed up and has higher anxiety and depression than our parents is because we have to deal with social media. Everyone feels like they have to be perfect' - UK, Female" "If young people are already calling this out, it won't take long before others' pick up on this too." "As humans we have underlying traits which social media exacerbates. Instagram doesn't cause these, but it enhances them. Growing up immersed in the social media world, young people are increasingly developing personality traits which are harmful to their wellbeing."