"A 17-year-old girl I see for therapy has a daily 'selfie process' that can last an hour or more," writes psychologist John Duffy, author of Anxiety-Adolescent Parenting.
Duffy specializes in teens, parents, couples and families. In his work with young people, he has noticed that Instagram is a silent "killer" of self-confidence.
"She spends a lot of time changing and putting filters on a photo, until she feels comfortable and posts it on Instagram. She showed the process once in my office, admitting she knew it didn’t look like the picture at all. "But the 'likes' were so many that he knew he would do it again the next day."
The psychologist says that Instagram "can be a dark and disturbing place for children's minds."
"Not feeling good enough to post a selfie, for example, they put on filters and change the shape of bodies influenced by celebrities, whose physique they adore."
Among other things, he said that teenagers, in particular, are obsessed with significantly changing their image. Others rarely post pictures of themselves out of shame or fear of being ridiculed for their weight, face, hair, etc. This affects not only girls but also boys.
"However, it is important to keep in mind that teenage boys are also at risk. They often follow other boys and men who they think have ideal male bodies or are more attractive than themselves. "They carry the same insecurities as girls, but they can be more silent."
Duffy advises that parents should talk openly with children about the nature of Instagram and other social networks. They should be provided for children's self-esteem including other extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, arts, etc. - which are more important than the number of likes or followers on Instagram.
