Name: Instagram
Owned By: Facebook
Category: Photo and Video
Operating System: IOS, Android
Available for download: Yes
Desktop version: Yes
Approximate release date: 2010
Age Rating*: Rated 12+ for the following:
- Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor
- Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity
- Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References
- Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes
Brief Description*: Connect with friends, share what you’re up to, or see what’s new from others all over the world. Explore our community where you can feel free to be yourself and share everything from your daily moments to life’s highlights.
*Information from the App Store
Users can post inappropriate content. However, photos can be reported that are considered inappropriate and be taken down by Instagram.
Ability to send inappropriate imagesUsers can post images, videos, and other content from their photo gallery.
Access to photo gallery (device camera)Users can take photos and videos directly from the app.
Access to cameraEach Instagram post, video, story, etc. is posted with a username.
Anonymous posting (posting without a username or other identifiers)Users have the option to sync their contacts on Instagram to connect with friends.
Access to contactsBusinesses can create business profiles on Instagram. This means that businesses can track the activity on their profile.
Business accountsUsers can follow strangers on Instagram.
Connect with strangers (ability to)Instagram uses data to track you. They may track your contact information, identifiers, and other data. Additionally, they also collect data that could be linked to your identity including financial information, location, health and fitness, purchases, and more.
Collects user’s informationUsers can delete their search history.
Clear history functionUsers can share images, videos, or stories that cyberbully someone.
Cyberbullying opportunitiesUsers can send each other direct private messages. People can send private messages to an individual or a group.
Direct Messaging privateUsers can search for this type of content by searching for relevant hashtags and accounts.
Death themes and/or dark content/imagery/referencesInstagram was not designed to be deceptive. All accounts and posts are connected to identifiers and usernames.
Designed to be purposefully deceptiveUnlike other social media apps, messages and images don’t disappear when viewed. They only disappear when deleted by users. However, whatever you put on the internet will never completely disappear even if you delete it.
Disappear messages/imagesUsers can search for content by using emojis. Some contain secret messages or are used for sexting.
Emoji Search (search content with emojis like keywords or hashtags)Accounts with preloaded followers are available on eBay.
Established accounts available for purchaseAll graphic content contains a sensitive content notification with the description: “This photo contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing.”
Graphic content warning (blurred graphic content before viewing)Users can create group messages on Instagram where they can chat and/or video chat.
Group chat and video chatUsers can create and share hashtags.
Hashtag use (uses hashtags as a search/directory)Instagram does not have a hidden photo vault. All photos posted are linked to a username.
Hidden photo vaultInstagram users can “go live” on Instagram and their friends can join the video to watch their live stream.
Live stream functionIn order for Instagram to function, users must use their location.
Location dependent servicesUsers can turn their location services on or off.
Location services enablingYou cannot login to Instagram with your Facebook credentials, but you can connect your accounts to share the same content on both platforms by tapping a button.
Login with FacebookMany companies and influencers will share marketing and sponsored content.
Marketing (sponsored content)Android users can access Instagram without WiFi or cellular service.
Offline functionalityUsers only need/have one password to access their account.
Password protected (beyond account password)Users can edit and put filters over their posts and Instagram stories.
Photo filters and editingUsers can share images, videos, stories, and more on Instagram. They can also send direct messages to other users.
Post images, videos, stories, etcPeople have the option to keep their profile private or public. If an account is made private, people can only connect by requesting access. If an account is made public, anyone can follow, like, comment, and share posts without requesting access to the account.
Private and public accountsInstagram users can purchase goods and services directly from the app by clicking on sponsored content or bio links.
Purchases in-app for sponsored contentUsers can report bullying, inappropriate content, and more on Instagram.
Reporting functionsWhen users take screenshots or screen record posts, stories, or accounts, the creator will not be notified.
Screenshot and screen recording notificationUsers can search content by the account name, audio, tag, or place.
Search function within the appUsers can post self-promoting content to increase their following count, post engagement, likes, etc.
Self promotion content (for popularity or marketing)Users can post stories on Instagram that are accessible for 24 hours.
“Stories” postsUsers cannot upgrade Instagram for more content or to remove ads.
UpgradablePeople can post short videos or share IGTV content, which are videos longer than one minute.
Video sharingUsers can send voice recordings to friends or users with public accounts via private chat.
Voice chatting
- Drug/Alcohol content (posts, discussion, and imagery)
There are many posts related to drugs, and they do not get removed. There are also profiles that will link their online stores to the Instagram account to purchase paraphernalia.
- Eating disorder (topics, content, posts, discussion, imagery, etc.)
Some users share resources to help people struggling with eating disorders, and some users share concerning content about eating disorders.
- Graphic content (images of death, car crashes, etc.)
Graphic content is not common on Instagram. If someone posts graphic content on Instagram, there will be a sensitive content alert saying “This photo contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing.”
- Mental health content
Some users share resources to help people struggling with mental health, and some users share concerning content about mental health struggles.
- Nudity
Nudity is prohibited, but it can be found. However, it’s often quickly removed or reported.
- Self-injury content
This type of content can be found on Instagram, and it often contains a sensitive content alert.
- Sexualized topics (content, posts, and discussion)
This type of content can be found on Instagram. Depending on the content, Instagram can remove it and users can report it.
- Suicide topics
This type of content can be found on Instagram, and it often contains a sensitive content alert.
- Vaping topics (content, posts, and imagery)
Posts can link online stores to purchase vaping products online.
- Violence
This type of content can be found on Instagram. Depending on the content, Instagram can remove it and users can report it.
Reviewed By: Ryan
Instagram tries to control inappropriate content, but it is an enormous task. Control over the content seems to ebb and flow— sometimes inappropriate content is easier to access. Instagram has a reporting function and ways for inappropriate content to be identified and removed, but as with anything, people find ways around the controls.
If youth have not been exposed to sexualized content, drugs, and mental health topics, there is a high probability for them to be exposed after they create an Instagram profile. Instagram could easily be a gateway platform for youth to learn about these topics and view people who are pro drug use and anti drug use for example. They will be able to see individuals wanting to support those with mental health struggles and they will learn about individuals who are struggling with self-harm, depression and suicidal thoughts.
Discuss help-seeking strategies with your youth, such as what to do to if they see someone posting about mental health issues, depression, self-harm, or suicide. Teach them to use the reporting functions built into Instagram and keep an open line of communication with parents.
There is a high level of sexual content available as well. You should be prepared for your kids to see this content as it’s easy to stumble upon and kids are curious about sex at that age. If you chose to let your child(ren) use Instagram, talk to themabout not posting sexual or provocative content. Teach them that self-esteem is based upon the content of their character, not the appearance of their body.
Be aware of “Finstas” (Fake Instagram Accounts) as well. Youth will sometimes have a well-curated appropriate account that you know of but will also make a Finsta account that you will not be aware of. More questionable behaviors tend to occur on this Finsta account. They may even have several Finsta accounts. Youth also may have a “spam” account where they post less curated pictures of themselves or their life.
I do not recommend Instagram from anyone under 17 years old. However, many youth already have access to Instagram. Here are some of my tips for responsible use.
Safety Tips
My #1 recommendation: If you are going to let your child have an Instagram account, you should have an account as well so that you can effectively educate them on how to use it responsibly. You should follow them and they should follow you.
- Do not use full names as usernames, and do not put your full name in your bio.
- Set the account to private.
- Only accept followers of people they know in person.
- Remove any unknown followers that they currently have.
- Do not post personal information such as driver's licenses, school IDs, state IDs, phone numbers, birth certificates, school schedules, and/or other identifying information.
- Turn off location services.
- Do not respond to Direct Messages from people they don’t know.
- Use the reporting system when they see inappropriate content.
- Talk to a parent if they see a concerning post from a friend (mental health, bullying, inappropriate posts, etc).
- Report bullying both through Instagram's reporting function and a parent.
- Save screenshots of bullying behaviors.
- Block bullies.
- Stick with the age restrictions.
- Explain that even though an account is private, privacy isn’t guaranteed. Once a post is shared it is totally out of the users’ control.
- Remind your youth that a digital reputation begins the moment an account is opened. What they post now could affect them later in life.
- Outline your expectations for using technology and Instagram with a Technology Contract.
Reviews by Katie K
Instagram is used by teens in a variety of positive ways. People my age use the app to share pictures of family and friends, write about their experiences traveling, and even promote their own businesses. It is a fun, creative outlet for those who know how to use it safely. Common misuses of the app include using it to post hateful comments to other users, for flaunting unsafe or scandalous behaviors, and most notably as an excuse to procrastinate doing homework.
As a general rule of thumb, I personally would not recommend creating an Instagram to anyone under the age of thirteen. If you are debating on letting your son or daughter download Instagram, I highly suggest you make sure that they are emotionally mature enough to handle the situations that they may encounter while using this app. If someone leaves a rude or hateful comment on their page, if they come across accounts that post inappropriate content, or if an unknown user contacts them through direct messaging, how would they respond?
For parents who are uneasy about letting their children on social media, I would recommend being logged into your child’s account on your own cell phone. That way, they have the freedom to use the app, but you have the ability to monitor their online activity and hopefully influence them to be conscious of what they type and post. Also make sure to set limits for the amount of time your child spends on the app. It is common for people to aimlessly scroll through the app and neglect other obligations.
If I could suggest one thing to kids who are new to Instagram, it would be to remember that the number of likes and comments you get on your posts do not define who you are as a person, the content of your posts and captions can be utilized by anyone who sees it to make judgements about your character. Be mindful of what you post.
About Katie K
Katie first began using social media in fifth grade when she made an Instagram account the same year that the app launched. Since then, she has witnessed the app transform into what it is today and has experienced the good and bad that have come along with it. Katie has always practiced safe social media habits and is now sharing her experiences to help younger users understand the importance of protecting themselves online.