Meta has announced plans to implement artificial intelligence (AI) on Instagram to better safeguard the mental health of teens. This initiative aims to identify accounts belonging to users under 18, check if they are accurately reporting their ages, and automatically adjust their account settings to reflect teen-specific restrictions.
Teen accounts will benefit from increased privacy measures, including the inability for strangers to send messages, and a more limited exposure to content. These changes could significantly lower the risk of cyberbullying, which has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes among adolescents. A 2019 study from the UK Millennium Cohort found that higher social media usage correlates with increased instances of cyberbullying, poor sleep, low self-esteem, and depressive symptoms.
Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of AI alone in addressing the teen mental health crisis remains uncertain. A Pew Research survey reveals that while 48% of teens recognize social media’s negative impact on their peers, only 14% feel it affects them personally. However, the reality is that teens are spending a staggering average of nine hours online each day, as reported by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
Social media platforms, including Instagram, often encourage addictive behaviors through their design, which uses likes, notifications, and comments to keep users engaged. This results in teens frequently checking their devices for validation from peers. Research indicates that excessive screen time can lead to physical changes in the brain. Specifically, areas such as the amygdala, linked to emotional learning, and the prefrontal cortex, which regulates social behavior, can become overly sensitive to social feedback.
While Meta’s initiative to use AI represents a positive move towards regulating teen social media use, it does not tackle the deeper issues of addiction and compulsive behavior associated with these platforms. Although options exist to disable likes and comments, many users and their parents do not utilize these features.
To combat the mental health challenges related to social media, a collaborative approach between parents and teens is essential. Parents can foster open discussions about social media habits and establish tech-free times, such as during meals. Additionally, they should keep an eye on any signs of declining mental health in their children, such as mood swings or academic struggles.
As social media continues to be an integral part of teen life, addressing its effects on mental health will require more than just technological solutions. AI can play a part in reducing some harms, but a holistic approach involving family support, education, and awareness will be vital for supporting the mental well-being of adolescents.
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