1. Three Steps for my Research
Step 1: Learn About Instagram Features
I will do research on how Instagram features like ‘likes’, ‘comments’, and ‘filters’ are designed. This would help me in knowing how those things make teens compare themselves with others, affecting their self-esteem.
Step 2: Find Information About Mental Health
I’ll look for studies and articles about how Instagram affects teens’ mental health. I’ll focus on things like self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships to understand the emotional effects.
Step 3: Read Stories from Teens
I’ll find real-life stories, surveys, or interviews from teenagers about their experiences on Instagram. I’ll ask my friends who are active on Instagram. Such examples will serve to show how Instagram affects people in real life.
2. Provide 5 valid sources that might be useful to address the question.
https://about.instagram.com/features
https://www.ashokcharan.com/Marketing-Analytics/~ig-instagram-key-features.php
https://childmind.org/blog/instagram-is-harmful-to-teenage-self-esteem
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health
https://19thnews.org/2023/09/social-media-teenage-girls-mental-health-body-image
3. How This Question Affects Others
The significance of this question is that lots of teens have Instagram ingrained into their lives. It will show how it really affects self-esteem and relationships so it will make teens be more thoughtful in using it. Parents and teachers will also learn from this research for them to teach the teens how to handle the pressure due to social media. This research can help my community begin to discuss how to use social media in a healthy way. It may even inspire Instagram to add features that support mental health and make the app better for everyone.