SOCIAL MEDIA APPS
One of the More Controllable Apps
Q
What Is Instagram?
Instagram, one of the more controllable apps, is made for mobile use. It is simple to use, free, and highly addictive. While often used to display travel photography, children can easily share photos that shouldn’t be public. Understand that Instagram does “mine” your data. Scammers can send you direct messages, although not easily.
Q
What Are The Dangers?
Despite requiring users to be at least 13 years old, it is easy for children under this age to sign up as there is no age verification process. Instagram’s primary dangers is the sheer amount of inappropriate content kids can access quickly, especially porn. A private account does nothing to prevent explicit searches. It just prevents certain users from viewing your kid’s posts. Instagram has also added disappearing messages and photos.
Instagram is addictive, and it links to negative effects on social media use. Instagram’s image-based nature can lead to kids becoming preoccupied with perfection, image, and status, which can negatively affect their well-being. Studies have linked the platform to depression, body image concerns, self-esteem issues, social anxiety, and other problems. Its use can lead to fear of missing out (FOMO), social media addiction, isolation, depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, and self-absorption.
Top Instagram Hashtags – #love-1.835 Billion – #instagood–1.150B – #fashion – 812.7M – #photooftheday-797.3M – #beautiful-661M – #art (649.9M)- #photography-583.1M – #happy-578.8M
Q
What Can I Do?
Many use Instagram over Facebook since it is more Mobile-Friendly to post pictures and videos. Facebook allows more options, such as website links, longer videos, articles, and other forms of media. Instagram is only compatible on iOS, Windows Mobile, and Android-powered mobile devices which limits its accessibility. Although Instagram has privacy rules, users must understand that nothing is truly private on the internet. As a parent, grandparent or guardian, it is essential to educate young people about these dangers and monitor their social media use.
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