Will Instagram removing its 'likes' feature really improve our mental health?

Experts weigh in on the initiative that has sparked debate across social media

It’s no surprise we’re all addicted to social media because the platforms were designed with exactly that end goal. Recently, Instagram rolled out a new feature that prevents users from seeing how many ‘likes’ a post has, sparking debate across the Internet.

The initiative is intended to alleviate some of the pressures that visible ‘likes’ place on users. But 10 years after Instagram’s ‘like’ button entered our digital consciousness, the social media giant has now done a U-turn by stating they intend to hide the function from view.

The experiment is currently on trial in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Ireland and Italy. But will this move really impact on our mental health, questioned Vogue.

PHOTO: FILE

What social media experts say

The concern is that this won’t go far enough to deal with the mental health problems associated with social media. According to Silicon Valley rebel Tristan Harris, the ‘like’ reward system on social media was designed using gambling psychology.

He explained that users have been trapped in an addictive feedback loop of ‘likes’ for the last decade and just because the ‘likes’ aren’t as visible now, doesn’t mean they will  stop drooling for them when a photo is posted.

Social media may cause anxiety, depression: expert

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri said the initiative is for “people to worry a little bit less about how many likes they're getting on Instagram and spend a bit more time connecting with the people that they care about.” If a person already averages hundreds or thousands of likes, it’s unlikely they will start counting. But for the everyday Instagram users, the supposed beneficiaries of the update, who may get 25 likes on a post, the counting and resultant impact on self esteem could continue.

PHOTO: FILE

What mental health experts say 

Dr Helen Sharpe, a clinical psychologist specialising in adolescent mental health and body image points out that the findings from the first trial haven’t been shared yet.

“What we need now is really solid data on what the impact has been, so we (and social media companies) can start making evidence-based decisions about how to make social media a positive force in our lives,” Sharpe commented

The professional thinks the update is “likely to be a helpful step”but that a bigger step is needed to empower young people to think critically about the images and messages they are seeing.

PHOTO: FILE

Psychotherapist Barbara Volkar, who works with anxiety, depression and addictions, agrees it doesn’t feel like a particularly radical move. “It’s not the ‘likes’ that are problematic, it’s the ‘aspirational’ imagery which makes you feel imperfect and plays on your psychological insecurities, [which can] turn you into the ultimate consumer for a quick profit.”

Rihanna takes a break from Instagram, asks family and friends to forgive her 

Volkar points out the images themselves aren’t going anywhere. And it’s reportedly these visuals that are causing 51% of girls aged 11 to 21 to wish they looked more like pictures of other girls and women they see in the media. Unless the loss of visible ‘likes’ results in a reduction of people posting ‘perfect’ selfies for validation, we are unlikely to see any progression.

What Instagram influencers think

PHOTO: FILE

The update is intended to improve the well-being of everyday users, but the question of how it will affect influencers is gripping the media’s attention.

One Australian influencer, Jem Wolfie (@jemwolfie, 2.7 million followers), started asking for comments last week when the change was announced. “Comments keep me motivated. I know it takes a little longer to comment than it does to double tap but this is my business and numbers help me gauge what you like and don’t like. Your comments mean the world to me.”

Byrne suggests that the removal of ‘likes’ won’t make much difference to the businesses of successful influencers. “It will likely only affect those without true influence and strong engagement; namely those with bought or fake followers,” she explained.

The move away from ‘likes’ will mean that comments become a more important metric for influencers, who will probably start focusing more on Instagram stories and the swipe-up feature in order to boost engagement.

Have something to add to the story? Share in the comments below.