Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms that allow people to share pictures with friends from all over the globe. However, the platform has recently come under attack, with parents groups and lawmakers raising concern over the effects of the platform on the minds of the younger generation. This came after plans by Facebook Inc. to launch a version of the app that is specially designed for kids.
The app, dubbed Instagram Kids, was meant to provide children under thirteen with an Instagram experience. However, these plans have been halted, with Facebook taking this opportunity to listen to the concerns raised by lawmakers, parents, experts, and regulators.
To set up an account on Instagram, children need to be at least thirteen years of age. However, a good number of children under the recommended age have been using the platform. According to Facebook Inc., Instagram Kids was designed to solve the problem of children lying about their age to register on certain apps. Through this platform, children can connect and interact with their family and friends appropriately.
Despite Facebook’s efforts, several groups and individuals signed a petition under the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood program to get rid of the project entirely. However, Instagram head Adam Mosseri has continued to point out that this is the best way to regulate 10-12-year-old access to Instagram rather than letting the app verify the child’s age.
Mosseri went on to add that despite the setback, Instagram will continue to work on developing and expanding the opt-in parental supervision tools to cater to children aged 13-19-years who are already on the platform. According to Mosseri, Facebook will be making more announcements on the subject in the coming months.
The backlash against Instagram Kids comes after WSJ’s article stating that Instagram was toxic for teenage girls. According to the leaked research, a significant percentage of teenage girls stated that Instagram made them feel worse about their bodies. In response to this, Facebook stated that the findings were based on a small sample group of forty teens. They also stated that the survey was solely focused on the negative effects of the company to help them make necessary adjustments. Facebook further added that the showed body image was one of twelve other possible teenage problems related to Instagram.
Various stakeholders have challenged Facebook to make public the research findings. However, the team seeks to defend itself before Congress and the US Senate Committee when questioned about the research.