By Meta-owned Instagram has reportedly reached a milestone of two billion monthly active users. However, the photo-sharing platform may not officially disclose this achievement amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny over its potential negative impact on the mental health of young users.
Revelation of the Milestone
According to a report by CNBC citing anonymous employees, Instagram attained the two billion monthly active users mark approximately a week before Facebook rebranded to Meta in October. Despite this significant achievement, Instagram has not publicly shared its user numbers since surpassing one billion monthly active users in June 2018.
Internal Discovery
Employees within Instagram reportedly learned about the milestone during internal discussions, highlighting the platform’s immense growth over the past three years.
Testimony and Scrutiny
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri recently testified for the first time at a US Senate hearing in Washington, D.C., defending the platform’s impact on teenagers. Mosseri stated that Instagram was not originally designed for users aged 13 to 17 and emphasized that research did not indicate that Instagram products are addictive. However, leaked internal research at Meta revealed concerns about the potential harm Instagram could cause to its young users’ well-being.
Call for Transparency
Amidst mounting concerns, a global coalition of researchers has urged Meta to be more transparent and proactive regarding the mental health of child and adolescent users across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The debate surrounding the harmful effects of these platforms on children’s minds has intensified following revelations from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who testified that Instagram could negatively impact teenagers’ mental health.
Safety Measures
In response to these concerns, Instagram has launched several safety features for teenagers, including the ‘Take a Break’ feature. Additionally, Instagram announced the suspension of plans to develop Instagram Kids, a version of the app targeted specifically at children under 13, in late September.
As Instagram continues to navigate regulatory scrutiny and address concerns about its impact on users’ mental health, the platform faces challenges in celebrating its significant milestone amidst ongoing debates over its societal implications.
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