translated from Spanish: Why Instagram wants to hide ‘likes’

In an attempt to reduce the pressure on users, Instagram will test in six countries to hide likes. What does this mean? They will be seen only by those who post and not by their followers. But this is not their only concern: they also seek to ensure that the measure does not harm user engagement or opportunities to make money. The first question is whether it will have a significant effect on the mental health of the adepts to this platform. Several studies have linked the use of social media to a negative impact on adolescent well-being, especially in women. A UK survey of 1,479 people between the ages of 14 and 24 showed the disruptions this social network causes: the fact that it is very image-focused seems to be causing feelings of insufficiency and anxiety, while comparing constantly with other people can make them feel bad about themselves, which can lead to depressive episodes. There are no studies on the effect of specifically likes on mental health, but the desire for validation can negatively impact well-being and teens particularly seem to be obsessed with likes as a form of social status. “We hope this test will take the pressure off the amount of likes a post gets, so you can focus on sharing the things you like,” Mia Garlick, policy director for Facebook Australia and New Zealand, said. comparing the amount of likes between peers is not the only Instagram feature that affects the well-being of users. Photos about travel, hegemonic bodies and active social lives can highlight what teens feel they lack. Instagram’s measurement may not be enough if you don’t change the content posted there.

Original source in Spanish