In late 2019, I embarked on a mission with a small product team to directly tackle the mental health issues prevalent among Instagram’s users, with a specific focus on the negative impacts of social comparison. Alarming statistics highlighted that 58% of teens felt the adverse effects of social media, with Instagram playing a considerable role. Our goal was to transform Instagram into a proactive force for mental well-being, targeting the critical issue of social comparison.
The initiative was kicked off with a foundational hypothesis — that by reducing social comparison, we could enhance the mental well-being of Instagram users. To validate this hypothesis, we embarked on a journey of product experimentation, introducing users to features like Snooze Controls, Mood Sharing, and Hugs. Each experiment was designed to test our theory, with data and user feedback serving as our guiding lights. Through this iterative and data-driven approach, we aimed to create features that not only resonated with our users but also significantly contributed to a positive shift in the platform's mental health landscape.
Our strategic approach and the results of our experimentation led to the funding and establishment of the Instagram Mental Health team, demonstrating Instagram's commitment to fostering positive mental health. This initiative has laid the groundwork for ongoing improvements, setting a new standard for the positive impact social media can have on user well-being. It also contributes significantly to the broader conversation about mental health in digital spaces.
