Introduction
The Internet has become an influential part of human life and has changed the environment in which children develop. Notably, communication and social interactions are more active on social media now. The media include various platforms that allow sharing news, ideas, images, and other information. The influence of social media is ambiguous and negative consequences attract special attention. The current paper studies the impact of Instagram on brain functioning and physical and social development. A distinctive feature of Instagram from other social networks is its focus on photo and video content (Wells et al., 2021). Using Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological systems theory, the report also considers how this network transformed childhood development. Even though the negative impact of Instagram prevails, it can also be used for benefit.
Changing Brain Functioning
In childhood, harm due to social media’s influence on brain functioning is more substantial than in adulthood. The children’s brains undergoe significant changes in age 10-12, and social rewards like compliments or appreciation bring more satisfaction than before (Abrams, 2022). As a result, users of this age are more sensitive to the opinions of others and seek approval. At the same time, Instagram shows a predominantly ideal lifestyle. Therefore, children tend to be dissatisfied with themselves, which leads to low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders, and similar problems (Wells et al., 2021). The effect on brain functioning extends not only to the perception of oneself but also the perception of the world.
Social networks aim to interest and keep as many people as possible. To achieve this goal, they use unique algorithms, which show content based on the users’ interests and requests (MacRae et al., 2021). Consequently, the network affects how the brain receives and processes information. At the same time, algorithms tend to process the interests of users and then offer more extreme options. For example, the user can get recommendations on unhealthy weight-loss methods after reading about a healthy diet. Media shapes a child’s perception of the world by emphasizing certain aspects. Therefore, parents and guardians should be aware how their children use Instagram and other networks.
Disrupting Physical Development
Middle childhood is also a critical period of physical development. Growth slows at this time, but attention, coordination, and motor skills improve (Pelz & Overstreet, 2022). Many children at this age participate in sports teams, which, in addition to physical benefits, also help establish social contacts (Pelz & Overstreet, 2022). However, social media fascination often leads to neglect of physical activity (Cipolletta et al., 2020). Moreover, dissatisfaction with one’s own body, which arises due to Instagram, is a common problem for children that begin to seek social approval (Wells and others, 2021). In pursuit of the ideal body or due to discontent, there are tendencies for unhealthy diets, traumatic exercises, and other dangerous measures. As a result, Instagram can disrupt physical development by reducing children’s activity or offering content with unhealthy diets and exercises.
Influence on Social Development
Children learn to build social relationships and interact with others. Social networks help maintain communication, even when the interlocutors are far away. However, with personal interaction, children can better build their boundaries, and their communication is more private. Instagram encourages publicity, especially when children seek approval from their surroundings (Abrams, 2022). As a result, children are more focused on social comparison on Instagram, which affects their self-perception. Social media are used as a tool in the struggle for popularity, and children consider the number of subscribers and likes as its indicator (Wells et al., 2021). Moreover, many teenagers report that Instagram has made them doubt the strengths of friendship (Wells et al., 2021). Although the network should support social interactions, it often harms them.
Positive Impact
Instagram can also have a positive influence on its users. Using its focus on photos and videos, children can use it as a place to express themselves (Cipolletta et al., 2020). Content can be not only extreme but also educational and helpful. Gentina et al. (2021) note that social media can help develop the theory of mind skill to help recognize deceptive content or advertising. Nowadays, the Instagram owner-company cooperates with various organizations to create content, contributing to emotional resilience development (Wells et al., 2021). The media shows not only the ideal lifestyle: bloggers who tell about the struggle for the rights of minorities can also have an impact and promote social justice. People with disabilities can use their profiles to demonstrate the possibility of being happy in various circumstances, thereby providing support to other users (Wells et al., 2021). Therefore, one can find benefits in using Instagram with a cautious approach.
Application of Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Systems Theory
Social media has significantly changed the circumstances of children’s development. Using Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory, one can distinguish several features. For example, Instagram and other networks become part of the microsystem, as they are constantly in contact with the users and have a substantial impact (Navarro & Tudge, 2022). In the macro system, Instagram can be seen as part of a new culture or social values. Moreover, as already mentioned, the network influences the world’s perception and, therefore, is part of this level. The influence of elements of other systems is also enhanced since social media simplifies the interaction between them. Consequently, Instagram changed the impact of Bronfenbrenner’s systems on the child’s development.
Conclusion
Thus, Instagram is a popular social media focusing on exchanging photo and video content. It can affect the functioning of children’s brains, as it determines their perception of the world through the recommended content. Instagram also helps users seek social approval, but spreading content about an ideal life often harms them. This media can disrupt physical development, as it distracts children from the activity and can offer harmful recommendations influencing behavior. Aimed to establish social ties, Instagram has become a tool for comparison and competition in the social aspect, harming development. Nevertheless, with a careful approach to use, Instagram can benefit – develop the theory of mind skills and become a platform for self-expression. Applying Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological systems theory, one can note that social media has significantly changed the environment of a child’s development.
References
Abrams, Z. (2022). Why young brains are especially vulnerable to social media. American Psychological Association.
Cipolletta, S., Malighetti, C., Cenedese, C., & Spoto, A. (2020). How can adolescents benefit from the use of social networks? The iGeneration on Instagram.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(19), 1-15.
Gentina, E., Chen, R., & Yang, Z. (2021). Development of theory of mind on online social networks: Evidence from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.Journal of Business Research, 124, 652-666.
MacRae, I., Eyre, H., Keller, A., & Chapman, S. (2021). Social media is changing our brains. Center for BrainHealth.
Navarro, J. L., & Tudge, J. R. (2022). Technologizing Bronfenbrenner: Neo-ecological theory. Current Psychology, 1-17.
Pelz, B., & Overstreet, L. (2022).Developmental psychology [eBook edition]. NSCC.
Wells, G., Horwitz, J., & Seetharaman, (2021). Facebook knows Instagram is toxic for teen girls, company documents show.The Wall Street Journal.