BENGALURU: Instagram is one of the biggest reasons behind mental health issues among the young, notes a UK study. But not many in Bengaluru find the study convincing. Instagramers in the city find the app therapeutic and look at it as a tool for self expression. The UK study was carried out by
the Royal Society of Public Health in May 2017.
Being the Queen
For Nirjal Basnet, a city-based stylist and model, the app became a “weapon for self expression.” The 25-year-old promotes gender fluidity and goes by the username ‘Queenandro_realness’. He started posting pictures in high heels and dark lipstick and was stunned by the responses of Instagram users. “My expression reaches out to so many people and they write to me saying that I inspire them. At the same time I also get inspired by others on the app” says Nirjal. “There’s so much to learn and see on the app. It is like a second life to me” he adds with a laugh.
‘Facebook depresses me’
Renuka Nair, a media professional battles bipolar disorder and along with medication, she takes doses of Instagram feed to help her be “stable”. “Last year when I was suicidal, funny posts and food posts made me so happy. I particular got into watching videos on slime and it helped me soothe myself and kill the recurring frustration,”says Renuka. “While Facebook depressed me with posts on my friends getting married or engaged or on a vacation, Instagram kept me aloof and fascinated,”she adds.
Videos of people playing with a glue dough is quite a sensation online. The videos, posted using #Slime have scored over 5 billion posts. The slime is in bright colours with glitter. According to a Bhupendra Chaudhry, consultant psychiatrist at Manipal Hospitals, Instagram makes you feel better, but should not be replaced for therapy. Bhupendra is Renuka’s psychiatrist and says the app has helped Renuka to feel better as bipolor is a mood disorder.
However, the survey by the Royal Society of Public Health cannot be dismissed because quite a few users have stopped using the app stating it to be depressing.
Pressure to look flawless
“The pressure of appearing flawless all the time on Instagram eventually takes a toll on the user. Youngsters in particular want to portray themselves as happening, which can be mentally exhausting,” Dr Shilpa Sri SK, consultant psychiatrist at St Martha’s Hospital.
Niranjana Jayakumar, a 23-year-old shares that getting off Instagram has been liberating. “It became like an added burden to check stories of friends. It has been three months since I deleted and I feel a lot happier,” says Niranjana. One of the best things that happened to her when she got off the app, she was that she started having real convesations with friends.
“When I checked their stories, I would already know what they were up to constantly. After getting off the app, I ask them what have they been up to and we start a good long conversation,” she adds.
Experts say that with Instagram, you also end up comparing your life to what appears on the feed and hamper your self-esteem. “Even when it comes to medication, high dose is toxic. In the same way, over use of social media app is toxic and can lead to depression,” says Bhupendra.