The Research Institute of Child Psychology and Pathopsychology (VÚDPaP) pointed out that the search and social network Instagram’s algorithms often recommend content focused on dangerous diet practices and extreme weight loss.
“Instagram has been repeatedly criticized for spreading content that promotes eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia,” VÚDPaP said. According to them, such content can negatively affect the self-esteem and health of young users. According to VÚDPaP, parents should make sure that their children are exposed to positive role models that support a healthy perception of the body and nutrition. “Many influencers can promote unrealistic standards of beauty.” reminded the institute.
Experts from VÚDPaP further advised parents to teach children to distinguish between advertisements and authentic posts. As they explained, Instagram gives users the opportunity to earn money directly using paid ads. “In practice, this means that companies offer content creators on Instagram products that these creators will advertise and then receive a fee,” they explained.
VÚDPaP added that it is possible to reduce the risk of online bullying and inappropriate interactions, which often appear in connection with the physical appearance of users, by filtering comments and messages.
