Recently, Instagram developed a new feature of incredible merit and respect. This reporting function allows users to anonymously report a post as a possible mental health issue. By going through the old reporting function, users can choose a specific category that this post falls under.
After reporting the post, the user who has posted the image will be given a message from Instagram stating "Someone saw one of your posts and thinks you might be going through a difficult time. If you need support, we'd like to help." They will then be prompted to search through a list of support options, depending on what they may need. Examples include general tips, suggestions, help line numbers, and numerous resources, such as NEDA (National Eating Disorder Awareness) and Suicide Prevention. Each user will receive slightly different sources, based on their location. Numerous organizations have agreed to be part of this program, offering support and resources.
Earlier in the year, Instagram also put a "ban" on using and searching for certain key words and hashtags, such as "thinspo." When one searches for these terms, they will also receive a support message; even if your Instagram app is not completely up to date, you will receive a "No posts found" message.
I will not go into further detail about these updates, as there have already been numerous articles reporting on and explaining them in further depth. A simple search will provide you with any further context and information.
For many people, these updates, similar to the ones Facebook has been implementing, may seem like just another way of coddling our generation, of keeping them from the real world. This may seem true; however, one must acknowledge that there is an entirely different sphere out there, a different use of these social media platforms, that they are completely unaware of. The reality is, Self Harm pages exist. It is a dark place where suffering people can group together and discuss negative behaviors. Pro-Ana (anorexia) and Pro-ED (eating disorder) pages are abundant. They go beyond fitness models and healthy food tips. They highlight unachievable images and proportions, emphasize "artsy" thigh gaps and protruding bones. (Disclaimer: these words are in no way intended to body shame naturally, healthy, thin people. These pages become harmful when girls and boys without those body types began to strive for them, searching a world of images to base their self-worth on). Boys and girls alike spend hours on Instagram and Tumblr, staring at black and white photos promoting self-hate. These accounts are nearly hidden from those who do not suffer, as they are found by searching for such tags.
It isn't Instagram's job to do this. It isn't a social media platform's responsibility to prevent mental health struggles and tragedies. Their efforts to do so, however, speak enormously to their integrity.
Speaking up against harmful behaviors is difficult, and often neglected. It's easy to say "just say something," but it's hard to actually do it. It isn't often greeted with a smile and gratitude. This new feature allows friends and strangers alike to take action, to send help, in an easier, simpler way. By reporting these posts, people not only help the poster, but may also help the millions of men and women who may have seen and been deeply affected by these posts. By reporting these posts, users help to get these images out of circulation, out of the public sphere. By reporting these posts, users help to remove one more image from the internet, remove one more image from someone's painful arsenal.
So shoutout to you, Instagram, for keeping it real, keeping it safe, and helping to promote happiness and wellness.
If you see a harmful post, please take five seconds out of your day to anonymously report it, and possibly help someone in need.
