We the undersigned are tired of this culture created by youth-oriented social media apps, specifically Instagram, of turning teens into hollow versions of themselves, chasing approval like a crack addict chasing their next high. 

The correlation between record-high rates of mental distress and social media couldn’t be clearer. The way it currently functions, the app is the perfect environment for the germination of a wide range of mental health issues such as eating disorders, a deflated sense of self-worth, narcissism, anxiety, and depression. The levels previously referred to are significantly higher than this same demographic during World War II! 

If that doesn’t alarm you, nothing will.

Not only that, but Instagram has created a culture that strips away one’s individuality if you ever hope to become popular. Ironically being “popular” these days relies on the number of followers you have. Our society has become one of followers rather than leaders, people seem to need the validation of others the same way they need air! That’s not their fault though, the app was intended to draw people in through jealously and the potential to “all that.”

This forms an addiction that Instagram shamelessly profits from. As the media company North 99 recently pointed out, it’s no coincidence that in Instagram’s newest update, they changed the placement of the “shopping” tab to where you used to go to check your activity, including followers and likes.

In other words, Instagram is hoping to trick you through muscle memory, when you clicked that area usually, it gave you that feel-good high. They’re hoping you’ll “buy for a high.”

It’s just sickening!

Finally, Instagram’s algorithm directly contributes to society’s intolerance for people who don’t subscribe to the same ideology they do. We’re unknowingly placed in echo chambers, without our consent, based on posts we’ve liked in the past, accounts we’ve followed, and viewpoints we may have expressed. 

We the undersigned are calling for a boycott against Instagram until their parent company (Facebook) and Mark Zuckerberg consider a series of reforms including, but not limited to:

Changing the dangerous and divisive “algorithm” to diversify the opinions seen by a user, instead of creating an echo chamber based on past beliefs shared, posts liked, or accounts followed.

Directing 5-10% of Instagram’s yearly revenue to fund children’s mental health services to cut the cost for average families.

Capping time allowed on Instagram daily to 2 hours (personal) and 3 (business) instead of allowing unlimited use.

Forming a board of teens that will meet yearly to analyze problems that they see day-to-day on the app and suggest solutions to those problems. Anything that this “Youth Council” suggests must be seriously considered by the top-level executives. If the suggestions are rejected, the executives must state a clear reason why and give a path forward to deal with said issue.

Facebook should also issue a public apology statement addressed to all of the people affected by any mental illness that has been perpetuated by this organization.

In conclusion, Instagram definitely isn’t perfect, but together we can change this. By signing this petition, and if you want to go a step further by deleting or temporarily disabling your account, we can take a stand against Mark Zuckerberg and show him that we won’t stand for the continuation of the “Instagram Culture” that is causing damage by leaking into the real world. We have been divided, conquered, and controlled by Instagram and we will not allow this to continue for future generations. By adding your name, you are potentially saving hundreds of thousands of kids from the mental pains of social media as it is now and helping bring our society back to one of respect, civility, and independent individuals. Thank you.

-Darien Gordon