Youth Culture Window

The Ugly Side of Instagram

the-ugly-side-of-instagram

No Filters Can Fix this Social Media Mess

Instagram built its empire on the ability to add filters to pictures. Since its inception, millions of young people have posted billions of pictures to the social media site taking advantage of technology that allows them to look their best… or to try and become an Insta Celeb. Maybe that’s why Instagram is the second-favorite social media platform among kids ages 13 to 17.

But somehow, an awful lot of ugly still makes its way to Instagram. 

Let’s talk about two elements, porn and cyberbullying.

InstaPORN — Pornography has become a staple on the site in spite of Instagram’s stringent policy otherwise. Their Community Guidelines claim:

We know that there are times when people might want to share nude images that are artistic or creative in nature, but for a variety of reasons, we don’t allow nudity on Instagram. This includes photos, videos, and some digitally-created content that show sexual intercourse, genitals, and close-ups of fully-nude buttocks. It also includes some photos of female nipples, but photos of post-mastectomy scarring and women actively breastfeeding are allowed. Nudity in photos of paintings and sculptures is OK, too.

Yet, as one recent Forbes article puts it, Instagram is chock full of pornography. It’s true. Not only do various users randomly inject nudity into their posts, but if you do a search for flagrant terms that one might type if searching for sexy pics, your smartphone is likely to melt in your hand. Oh, and virtually every porn star in the adult entertainment industry has an Instagram account.

Yes, most the sexy pics that make it to the site are about an inch from hardcore pornography, but some of the hardcore stuff slips through. Parents just need to be aware that Insta isn’t as PG as they might have thought.

Keep in mind, like other social media sites, users only need to be 13 to own an account. Perhaps that’s why Protect Young Eyes, an online watch group, has submitted complaints to Instagram calling for action over the rampant amount of porn found on their platform.

But porn isn’t Instagram’s only problem that negatively affects its users’ lives.

InstaSLAM — Bullying is as old as humanity; cyberbullying is as old as the internet. But evidently, some corners of the web can be more heinous than others…and it looks like Instagram is a place where young users routinely get slammed.

Even though 59% of this younger generation has been a victim of cyberbullying at one time or another, a staggering 72% of teens use Instagram to post pics and interact with others online. But one study conducted across the pond suggests Instagram may be the place where “nasty” happens most often. Researchers from Ditch the Label discovered that more kids in the UK had been cyberbullied on Instagram than any other social media site.

The Atlantic wrote an article about Instagram’s cyberbullying problem earlier this week and claimed that Instagram was rolling out “a set of new features aimed at combating bullying, including comment filters on live videos, machine-learning technology to detect bullying in photos, and a ‘kindness camera effect to spread positivity.’”

Label me a skeptic, but the only thing Instagram wants to spread is the dividends of their booming net worth.

Keep in mind, every bit of research out there reveals that mom and dad still have the greatest impact on how their “bullied” kids feel about themselves. That’s why we just launched the brand new site, BullyingBreakthrough.com, with the release of Jonathan McKee’s new book of the same title, to encourage and equip parents to help their kids who are being “slammed” on apps like Instagram.

So how should parents respond when they keep reading about all the distractions on Insta?

The Best Filter — Should parents have their kids immediately delete the Instagram app from their phones? No, not necessarily. Instagram can be a great way to connect with family and even chronicle life in meaningful ways. However, it’s also being misused by millions of kids who are negatively impacting themselves and others. So what can we do to help our kids avoid these problems on Insta?

Well, we can’t rely on Instagram, itself. It’s obvious that Instagram can’t police themselves; they’ve failed to keep up with changing patterns of use and their guidelines has to be updated on a continual basis, as a result. How about software and filters? Can parents totally trust them to keep their kids safe? No and no. I’m not saying parents shouldn’t use them; I’m only saying they aren’t foolproof.

  • My suggestion to families concerned about Instagram is to use the best filter available: parents.
  • Follow along with their account and look at comments as much as you look at content.
  • Do everything you can to make sure your kids don’t have a “Finsta” account. Talk about safety, guidelines, appropriateness, and consequences of poor, regularly.

Instagram is important to kids. Our kids are important to us. Therefore, we need to prioritize our influence in this part of their lives. In the long run, everyone will be glad you did.

By 130 Comments
Share
Tags:

David R. Smith

David R. Smith is the author of several books including Christianity... It's Like This and speaks to parents and leaders across the U.S. David is a 15-year youth ministry veteran, now a senior pastor, who specializes in sharing the gospel, and equipping others do the same. David provides free resources to anyone who works with teenagers on his website, DavidRSmith.org David resides with his wife and son in Tampa, Florida.

Recommended To You

when-our-kids-sleep-suffers

When Our Kids’ Sleep Suffers…

back-to-school

Back to School?

pandemic-obstacle-or-opportunity

Pandemic: Obstacle or Opportunity?

130 Comments

  1. Cristian Mccall
    February 16, 2025 at 3:36 am

    Your content is always so informative and well-structured. This post, in particular, was a great read, and I learned a lot from it. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

  2. Jaylen Parrish
    March 9, 2025 at 6:47 am

    I love the way you present your ideas in such an easy-to-follow format. Your writing style is refreshing, and your content is always insightful!

  3. Danielle Gates
    March 11, 2025 at 9:54 pm

    I’ve read several posts on this topic, but yours stands out for its clarity and actionable advice. Thank you for putting in the effort to create such a helpful resource. Can’t wait to share this with my network!

  4. Jeromesic
    March 21, 2025 at 2:25 pm

    alo789 chinh th?c: alo789 dang nh?p – alo789 dang nh?p

  5. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 2:02 am

    https://indiamedfast.com/# india online pharmacy store
    canadapharmacyonline com

  6. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 2:40 am

    buying from online mexican pharmacy: buying from online mexican pharmacy – reliable mexican pharmacies

  7. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 4:34 am

    canadian online drugs most reliable canadian online pharmacies canadian online drugs

  8. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 7:16 am

    https://indiamedfast.com/# india pharmacy without prescription
    canadian online pharmacy

  9. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 7:57 am

    MexicanPharmInter: mexican pharmacy online order – mexican pharmacy online order

  10. WillisLutle
    March 24, 2025 at 8:37 am

    https://indiamedfast.com/# IndiaMedFast

  11. Georgetom
    March 24, 2025 at 10:02 am

    canadian pharmacy king reviews: certified canada pharmacy online – onlinepharmaciescanada com

  12. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 12:46 pm

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# buying from online mexican pharmacy
    canada pharmacy online legit

  13. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 1:35 pm

    online medicine shopping in india: IndiaMedFast.com – IndiaMedFast.com

  14. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    india pharmacy without prescription order medicines online india buying prescription drugs from india

  15. WillisLutle
    March 24, 2025 at 2:20 pm

    https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# buying from online mexican pharmacy

  16. Georgetom
    March 24, 2025 at 4:37 pm

    Mexican Pharm International: Mexican Pharm International – Mexican Pharm Inter

  17. Arthurwef
    March 24, 2025 at 6:18 pm

    http://mexicanpharminter.com/# Mexican Pharm International
    pharmacy com canada

  18. Jamesjiz
    March 24, 2025 at 7:24 pm

    canada pharmacy online: Certified International Pharmacy Online – safe canadian pharmacy

  19. MonteMap
    March 24, 2025 at 11:56 pm

    best canadian online pharmacy Pharmacies in Canada that ship to the US my canadian pharmacy

  20. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 12:56 am

    http://indiamedfast.com/# lowest prescription prices online india
    onlinecanadianpharmacy

  21. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 2:49 am

    Mexican Pharm International: mexican pharmacy online store – mexican pharmacy online store

  22. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 3:04 am

    https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# mexican pharmacy online

  23. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 7:30 am

    https://interpharmonline.shop/# canadian mail order pharmacy
    canadian online drugs

  24. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 9:45 am

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canadian pharmacy near me

  25. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 10:21 am

    mexican pharmacy online order: reliable mexican pharmacies – Mexican Pharm International

  26. MonteMap
    March 25, 2025 at 11:37 am

    order medicines online india lowest prescription prices online india IndiaMedFast.com

  27. Howardslutt
    March 25, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    canadianpharmacymeds: legitimate canadian pharmacies online – the canadian drugstore

  28. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 2:15 pm

    https://mexicanpharminter.shop/# mexican pharmacy online
    canada pharmacy reviews

  29. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 4:40 pm

    http://interpharmonline.com/# canada drug pharmacy

  30. Jamesjiz
    March 25, 2025 at 6:13 pm

    online pharmacy india: order medicines online india – india pharmacy without prescription

  31. Arthurwef
    March 25, 2025 at 9:15 pm

    http://indiamedfast.com/# india pharmacy without prescription
    my canadian pharmacy

  32. Howardslutt
    March 25, 2025 at 9:34 pm

    cheapest pharmacy canada: Online pharmacy USA – reputable canadian pharmacy

  33. MonteMap
    March 25, 2025 at 11:42 pm

    india online pharmacy store india online pharmacy store online medicine shopping in india

  34. WillisLutle
    March 25, 2025 at 11:47 pm

    https://mexicanpharminter.com/# mexican pharmacy online order

  35. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 2:53 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Kamagra Kopen Online

  36. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 3:18 am

    Viagra online price: Generic 100mg Easy – sildenafil online

  37. TerryErose
    March 26, 2025 at 5:03 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.shop/# buy generic 100mg viagra online

  38. Williamben
    March 26, 2025 at 5:51 am

    Generic100mgEasy: buy generic 100mg viagra online – cheapest viagra

  39. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 8:44 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.shop/# buy generic 100mg viagra online

  40. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 9:18 am

    cialis without a doctor prescription: cheapest cialis – TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  41. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 9:51 am

    Tadalafil Easy Buy cialis without a doctor prescription TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  42. Williamben
    March 26, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    KamagraKopen.pro: kamagra pillen kopen – kamagra pillen kopen

  43. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 2:33 pm

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy

  44. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 3:18 pm

    Buy Cialis online: cialis without a doctor prescription – Generic Cialis without a doctor prescription

  45. TerryErose
    March 26, 2025 at 4:55 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra jelly kopen

  46. DwayneLah
    March 26, 2025 at 7:26 pm

    Buy Tadalafil 5mg TadalafilEasyBuy.com Generic Cialis price

  47. KennethLus
    March 26, 2025 at 8:39 pm

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic 100mg Easy

  48. GregoryAnter
    March 26, 2025 at 9:54 pm

    Order Viagra 50 mg online: Generic 100mg Easy – Generic100mgEasy

  49. TerryErose
    March 26, 2025 at 11:25 pm

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic 100mg Easy

  50. Williamben
    March 27, 2025 at 2:43 am

    Kamagra Kopen: Kamagra Kopen – kamagra gel kopen

  51. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 3:41 am

    https://tadalafileasybuy.com/# cialis without a doctor prescription

  52. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 5:41 am

    Generic 100mg Easy: buy generic 100mg viagra online – buy generic 100mg viagra online

  53. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 7:14 am

    Tadalafil Easy Buy Cialis over the counter Tadalafil Easy Buy

  54. Williamben
    March 27, 2025 at 8:42 am

    kamagra pillen kopen: kamagra 100mg kopen – Kamagra Kopen

  55. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 1:09 pm

    Tadalafil Tablet: cheapest cialis – cialis without a doctor prescription

  56. DwayneLah
    March 27, 2025 at 6:41 pm

    Tadalafil Easy Buy cialis for sale TadalafilEasyBuy.com

  57. GregoryAnter
    March 27, 2025 at 8:19 pm

    Kamagra Kopen Online: Kamagra Kopen – kamagra jelly kopen

  58. KennethLus
    March 27, 2025 at 11:34 pm

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# buy viagra here

  59. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 3:27 am

    cialis without a doctor prescription: п»їcialis generic – Tadalafil Easy Buy

  60. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 5:51 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra kopen nederland

  61. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 6:10 am

    Sildenafil Citrate Tablets 100mg generic sildenafil Generic100mgEasy

  62. TerryErose
    March 28, 2025 at 8:12 am

    https://generic100mgeasy.com/# Viagra online price

  63. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 10:20 am

    Tadalafil Easy Buy: TadalafilEasyBuy.com – Tadalafil Easy Buy

  64. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 11:59 am

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  65. TerryErose
    March 28, 2025 at 2:16 pm

    https://kamagrakopen.pro/# kamagra kopen nederland

  66. GregoryAnter
    March 28, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    Generic 100mg Easy: Generic 100mg Easy – Viagra without a doctor prescription Canada

  67. DwayneLah
    March 28, 2025 at 5:17 pm

    Generic 100mg Easy Generic 100mg Easy buy generic 100mg viagra online

  68. KennethLus
    March 28, 2025 at 6:04 pm

    http://tadalafileasybuy.com/# Cheap Cialis

  69. TerryErose
    March 28, 2025 at 8:20 pm

    http://generic100mgeasy.com/# Generic100mgEasy

  70. Jamesmig
    March 28, 2025 at 11:28 pm

    pinup 2025 – пинап казино

  71. Jessedib
    March 28, 2025 at 11:39 pm

    пин ап вход: https://pinupkz.life/

  72. Williampaics
    March 29, 2025 at 1:52 am

    pinup 2025 – pinup 2025

  73. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 5:38 am

    пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап казино

  74. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 6:08 am

    пин ап зеркало: https://pinupkz.life/

  75. DwayneLah
    March 29, 2025 at 7:05 am

    cialis without a doctor prescription cialis without a doctor prescription Tadalafil Easy Buy

  76. Williampaics
    March 29, 2025 at 8:01 am

    пин ап – pinup 2025

  77. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 12:06 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт – пинап казино

  78. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 12:51 pm

    пинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  79. Williampaics
    March 29, 2025 at 2:12 pm

    пин ап казино – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  80. Jamesmig
    March 29, 2025 at 6:34 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт – пинап казино

  81. Jessedib
    March 29, 2025 at 7:34 pm

    пин ап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  82. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 2:03 am

    пин ап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  83. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 7:23 am

    пин ап казино – пинап казино

  84. Williampaics
    March 30, 2025 at 8:39 am

    pinup 2025 – пин ап казино

  85. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 8:39 am

    cheapest cialis Tadalafil Easy Buy Cialis over the counter

  86. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 8:54 am

    пинап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  87. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 1:51 pm

    пин ап казино – пин ап вход

  88. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 3:55 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт: https://pinupkz.life/

  89. DwayneLah
    March 30, 2025 at 8:11 pm

    kamagra 100mg kopen Kamagra Officiele Kamagra van Nederland

  90. Jamesmig
    March 30, 2025 at 8:15 pm

    пин ап казино официальный сайт – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  91. Williampaics
    March 30, 2025 at 9:41 pm

    пинап казино – пин ап казино официальный сайт

  92. Jessedib
    March 30, 2025 at 10:57 pm

    пин ап казино: https://pinupkz.life/

  93. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 3:10 am

    apotek online: Apoteket online – Apoteket online

  94. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 3:41 am

    https://apotheekmax.com/# Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  95. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 6:06 am

    Kamagra Oral Jelly Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  96. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 8:57 am

    apotek online: Apotek hemleverans recept – apotek online recept

  97. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 9:44 am

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  98. MichaelTwedO
    March 31, 2025 at 11:38 am

    Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen: Kamagra Oral Jelly – Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  99. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    Apotek hemleverans recept: Apoteket online – Apotek hemleverans idag

  100. Malcolmnag
    March 31, 2025 at 3:29 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland met recept Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept ApotheekMax

  101. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 3:48 pm

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra Gel

  102. DerekUnoto
    March 31, 2025 at 8:14 pm

    Apoteket online: apotek online – apotek online

  103. HomerHop
    March 31, 2025 at 10:25 pm

    http://apotekonlinerecept.com/# apotek online

  104. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 12:21 am

    kamagra: Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept – Kamagra kaufen

  105. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 1:58 am

    Apoteket online apotek online Apotek hemleverans idag

  106. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 3:01 am

    Apotek hemleverans idag: Apoteket online – Apotek hemleverans recept

  107. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 5:59 am

    https://kamagrapotenzmittel.shop/# Kamagra Original

  108. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 7:26 am

    Apotheek online bestellen: Apotheek Max – Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept

  109. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 9:53 am

    Apotek hemleverans idag: Apotek hemleverans recept – Apotek hemleverans idag

  110. Malcolmnag
    April 1, 2025 at 1:14 pm

    Beste online drogist de online drogist kortingscode Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  111. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 1:35 pm

    http://kamagrapotenzmittel.com/# Kamagra Original

  112. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 2:29 pm

    Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept: Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept – Kamagra Oral Jelly

  113. DerekUnoto
    April 1, 2025 at 4:43 pm

    Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept: Beste online drogist – ApotheekMax

  114. HomerHop
    April 1, 2025 at 9:05 pm

    https://apotheekmax.shop/# Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  115. MichaelTwedO
    April 1, 2025 at 9:40 pm

    Kamagra Oral Jelly: kamagra – Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  116. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 12:21 am

    kamagra Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen

  117. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 4:50 am

    https://apotekonlinerecept.shop/# apotek online

  118. MichaelTwedO
    April 2, 2025 at 4:54 am

    online apotheek: Apotheek Max – Beste online drogist

  119. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 6:38 am

    kamagra: Kamagra Oral Jelly kaufen – Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept

  120. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 12:07 pm

    Betrouwbare online apotheek zonder recept Apotheek Max de online drogist kortingscode

  121. MichaelTwedO
    April 2, 2025 at 12:30 pm

    Apotheek online bestellen: Apotheek online bestellen – Online apotheek Nederland zonder recept

  122. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    http://apotheekmax.com/# Online apotheek Nederland met recept

  123. DerekUnoto
    April 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm

    Kamagra Original: Kamagra Original – Kamagra Oral Jelly

  124. MichaelTwedO
    April 2, 2025 at 7:55 pm

    Apotheek Max: Beste online drogist – ApotheekMax

  125. HomerHop
    April 2, 2025 at 8:55 pm

    https://apotheekmax.shop/# Beste online drogist

  126. Malcolmnag
    April 2, 2025 at 11:29 pm

    Kamagra online bestellen Kamagra kaufen ohne Rezept Kamagra Gel

  127. EdwinHug
    April 3, 2025 at 4:37 am

    mexican rx online: Agb Mexico Pharm – Agb Mexico Pharm

  128. Trentswozy
    April 3, 2025 at 5:14 am

    pharmacy wholesalers canada: GoCanadaPharm – ordering drugs from canada

  129. RobertFem
    April 3, 2025 at 9:48 am

    Agb Mexico Pharm mexico drug stores pharmacies Agb Mexico Pharm

  130. EdwinHug
    April 3, 2025 at 10:40 am

    buy canadian drugs: canadian pharmacy king – vipps canadian pharmacy

Reply your comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*