Kristina Roberts
A recent internal Meta study revealed that Instagram shows more harmful, body image–related content to teens who already feel unhappy about their looks. The research raised concerns about how Instagram’s algorithm may worsen body dissatisfaction and promote unhealthy attitudes toward eating, despite Meta claiming it aims to understand and improve user well-being.
“Social media should make us feel connected, not compare ourselves,” said a concerned psychologist when asked about Instagram’s influence on young users. But a new internal research report from Meta, the company that owns Instagram, has revealed something quite worrying — Instagram may be showing more harmful body-related posts to teenagers who already feel bad about their bodies.
Meta’s internal researchers found that teens who said Instagram often made them feel unhappy with their looks were seeing far more “eating disorder–adjacent content” than those who didn’t report such feelings. These posts often included images that focused on specific body parts like the chest, buttocks, or thighs and carried judgmental comments about different body types. Many of these posts were linked to topics about disordered eating or body image struggles — things that can deeply affect how young people feel about themselves.
The research didn’t suggest that Instagram directly encourages eating disorders. However, it did highlight that the platform’s algorithms might be showing more of this sensitive content to teens who are already emotionally vulnerable. While Instagram doesn’t ban such content, both parents and mental health experts have repeatedly warned that exposure to these posts could be harmful.
Meta’s spokesperson explained that this study demonstrates the company’s commitment to understanding how its products affect people. “We want to make Instagram a positive place where everyone feels comfortable,” a Meta representative said. Yet, this statement hasn’t stopped experts and parents from worrying that Instagram’s system may actually worsen insecurity among young users.
The research was conducted during the 2023–2024 academic year and surveyed 1,149 teenagers. These teens were asked how often they felt bad about their bodies after using Instagram. Researchers then manually studied the kind of content those same users were exposed to over a three-month period.
What they found was alarming. Out of the 1,149 teens, 223 said they often felt bad about their bodies after using Instagram. For these teens, around 10.5% of the posts they saw were considered “eating disorder–adjacent.” Meanwhile, for the remaining teens who didn’t report body image issues, such content made up only 3.3% of their feed. This means that teens who already felt insecure were seeing more than three times as much harmful body-related material as others.
Experts say this kind of digital environment can be dangerous. Constantly seeing posts that glorify thinness, criticize certain body shapes, or subtly promote restrictive eating can make vulnerable teens feel even worse. Over time, it can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and in some cases, disordered eating behaviors.
One teen who took part in a similar study shared her experience anonymously: “I just wanted to look at makeup tutorials or fashion ideas, but soon my feed was full of girls showing how they lost weight or what they ate in a day. It made me question if I was good enough.” Her story reflects what many young users silently experience while scrolling through social media.
Psychologists emphasize that the teenage years are a sensitive stage of development. During this period, young people are still forming their sense of identity and self-worth. Constant exposure to “perfect” images and body comparisons on social media can make it difficult for them to develop a healthy relationship with their bodies.
The study’s results also spark important questions about how Instagram’s algorithm works. Algorithms are designed to show users more of what they interact with — so if a teen watches or likes content related to body image, the system might automatically push similar posts onto their feed. This creates a cycle where the teen keeps seeing more harmful content, even if they didn’t intend to.
Despite these findings, Meta says it is working on making its platforms safer. The company has added tools like “Take a Break” reminders, content filters, and settings that allow parents to supervise how much time their children spend on Instagram. However, critics argue that these efforts are not enough. They believe social media companies should take stronger actions, such as adjusting algorithms to avoid promoting any content that could harm young users’ mental health.
“It’s not just about removing bad content,” said a child development expert. “It’s about understanding how recommendation systems shape what teenagers see every day. Even if a post doesn’t directly promote an eating disorder, constant exposure to body comparisons can damage self-esteem.”
This isn’t the first time Meta has faced criticism for the impact of Instagram on teens. In earlier reports, employees raised concerns about the platform’s effect on mental health, particularly among teenage girls. Many of them said that while Meta was aware of these issues, changes were often slow to come.
Parents, too, have become increasingly worried. They say it’s becoming harder to control what their children see online. “I can tell my daughter to stop comparing herself, but when her entire feed shows unrealistic beauty standards, what can she do?” one mother asked.
As the debate grows, some experts are calling for greater transparency from social media companies. They believe internal research like this should be made public so that educators, parents, and policymakers can understand the risks better and take steps to protect children.
In the end, this study sheds light on how deeply social media can affect young minds. While Instagram was built to connect people, it’s clear that for many teens, it’s also a space where insecurities can grow. The findings remind us that technology — no matter how advanced — needs to be handled with care, especially when it influences the most impressionable members of society.
“Social media is powerful,” one teen advocate said. “It can inspire, educate, and connect — but it can also hurt. It’s time we use that power to lift each other up, not tear ourselves down.”
As Meta continues to study its products, the question remains: can Instagram truly become a place that celebrates real beauty and confidence, or will it continue to mirror the insecurities that so many teens already feel?
