Getting Instagram ‘likes’ is making girls unhappy, experts warn

GIRLS should stop seeking “likes” on their Instagram photos and counting them as a sign of their beauty or self-worth, experts say.

Susie O’Brien and Chanel Zagon

2 min read

August 17, 2018 - 7:30PM

VIC News

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GIRLS should stop seeking “likes” on their Instagram photos and counting them as a sign of their beauty or self-worth, experts say.

A Flinders University study of 220 female Australian university students found looking at Instagram images with a high number of likes make them feel good about their own looks.

But being highly invested in getting likes on their own photos leads to appearance comparison and dissatisfaction.

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Tammy Hembrow. Picture: Instagram

Kayla Itsines. Picture: Matt Turner.

“Taken together, the present findings indicate both positive and negative aspects of likes attached to Instagram images,” lead author Marika Tiggemann said.

“On the one hand, viewing images with a high number of likes led to greater satisfaction with women’s own facial features, perhaps reflecting a positive sense of online social support and communication,” she said.

“On the other hand, being highly invested in likes was related to appearance comparison and facial dissatisfaction, in a way that general Instagram use and average number of likes were not.”

Steph Claire Smith

Jen Selter. Picture: KWKC/MEGA

“Women and girls should be dissuaded from actively seeking likes on their Instagram images and, in particular, from viewing the number of likes they receive as an indication of their beauty or self-worth,” Dr Tiggemann concluded.

She said this specific message could well be added to current media literacy programs, which have shown some effectiveness in protecting body image.

Instagram is a social media platform based solely on the sharing of photos which is used by more than 200 million people on a daily basis.

Elisha and Renee Herbert.

Dr Tiggemann said the fact that the number of “likes” on a photo is presented under each image for all to see acts as a form of peer influence.

Andi Lew, a wellness coach who has 10,000 followers on Instagram said social media can have positive effects on wellbeing, but young women should not be fixated on their posts and photos.

“Instagram can definitely inspire and boost self-esteem if you are looking at a person who is providing authentic and positive material,” she said.

“It’s all about balance — don’t get caught up in the ‘picture perfect’ showbiz side, be mindful of who you are following and how you are spending your time.”