Instagram Knew: Internal Documents Reveal Meta's Own Research Linked Its Platform to Teen Depression
Leaked studies showed Instagram made body image issues worse for one in three teen girls — and Meta buried the findings
In September 2021, the Wall Street Journal published a series of articles based on internal Facebook documents revealing that Meta's own researchers had found significant evidence that Instagram was harmful to teenage mental health. The leaked research, which included internal presentations with titles like "Teen Mental Health Deep Dive" and "Social Comparison: Topics and Harms," showed that the company was well aware of the negative effects its platform had on young users — particularly teenage girls — and chose to downplay those findings publicly.
The internal research was striking in its specificity. One study found that 32% of teen girls reported that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse. Another internal presentation stated that "teens blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression."
Key Takeaways
- Meta's internal research found 32% of teen girls said Instagram made body image issues worse yet the company suppressed the findings
- Whistleblower Frances Haugen provided Congress with evidence that Meta consistently chose profit over teen safety
- Multiple state attorneys general launched investigations and the Kids Online Safety Act gained bipartisan momentum in response
