For most Instagram users, it’s a fun way to find and engage with visually-appealing posts and videos. But, for some, it’s an addiction they find hard to quit.

An increasing number of teenagers and millennials are spending extended hours on the app which is impacting their mental health. 

With an overwhelming majority of the app users in the range of 13 and 34 years of age, concerns are rising about the negative implications of the app.

In this article, we will dive into why Instagram is so addictive, how to deal with the risks involved, and more.

Instagram User Statistics

Launched in 2010, Instagram is now the fourth most-used social media app today. Instagram has evolved into a favorite app for millennials and Gen Z with its intriguing visuals and engaging features. 

Currently, there are over 1.386 billion monthly users who use the app to discover and engage with their favorite brands and content creators.

According to a recent report, over 70% of the app users are in the age range of 13 years and 34 years;

• 13 to 17 years  - 8.5%

• 18 to 24 years - 30.1%

• 25 to 34 years - 31.5%

• 35 to 44 years - 16.1%

• 45 to 54 years - 8%

• 55 to 64 years - 3.6%

• Over 65 years - 2.1%

From the above statistics, it is clear that more than two-thirds of Instagram users are aged between 13 and 34. These are the people that fall victim to Instagram addiction and spend more time on the app than the rest of the user demographics.

Why is Instagram so Addictive?

Instagram has been designed to entice users and spend as much time as possible. The ultimate goal is to increase the advertising revenue.

Developer teams behind Instagram have been tirelessly working to hook the attention of users and keep them scrolling through their feeds. The more time users spend on the app, the more money it will make.

Instagram uses data-driven techniques to make it one of the most engaging and interesting apps of this age.

There are three basic ingredients of an engaging app; motivation, action, and trigger. Instagram checks all three boxes.

One feels motivated to keep scrolling and find handy offers and tips. Instagram users take action when they open the app and interact with the posts. App notifications are triggers that inspire users to check the recent posts by the profiles they follow.

For brands looking to build a professional profile, Instagram profile downloader allows them to view and download profile pictures of popular accounts in a niche. 

Mental Implications of Instagram

Depending on how it’s used, Instagram has positive and negative effects.

According to research carried out by the Pew Research Center, most teenage users have said that social media apps help them feel connected with their friends and get emotional support.

A Facebook study revealed that one in every three teenage girls have reported worsening body image issue due to Instagram.

According to the American Psychological Association,  Instagram is connected with self-esteem problems, body image issues, social anxiety, depression, and other problems.  

Signs of Instagram Addiction

Here are some of the signs to watch out for to know if you or someone you know is addicted to Instagram;

• You are feeling the urge to open the app and check out your feed

• You are having a tough time stopping using or cutting down the time spent on the app

• You feel anxiety and irritation when you are not using the app

• You tend to open the app to escape personal problems

• You are spending too much time scrolling through your feed that your other life issues are being compromised

• You are losing interest in other hobbies and activities

• You can not stop scrolling while you are actively involved in other activities

How To Control Instagram Addiction?

Stop Sharing

One way to combat Instagram addiction is to stop sharing posts and videos on the network. When you haven’t shared anything on the app, you will not feel the urge to check the likes and comments it has gotten.

Switch off your phone

A straightforward and effective solution is to simply turn off your phone. It is really hard to resist the temptation to check your phone and see the notifications. While it is a simple way, it is not very comfortable for most people to turn off their phones for the whole day.

Uninstall the app

If you find it hard to switch off your smartphone for the whole day, you may simply uninstall the app. Limiting your access to desktop-based web applications is also a great way to reduce the on-app time.

‘Take A Break’ feature

Instagram has a feature called ‘Take A Break’ that allows its users to put a limit on the time spent using the app. After a certain amount of time is passed, you will stop receiving the app notifications.

Summing up

While Instagram addiction is a serious issue facing young users, there are ways to deal with it. This blog has covered some of the effective ways to reduce the on-pp time and stay away from the noisy world of notifications, posts, and videos.