The Instagram Effect
The story of how Instagram became the dominant force it is today, told by former staff and insiders and through powerful testimony from users who have been negatively impacted.
In just ten years, Instagram has gained over a billion users worldwide, shaping culture, trends and the way we live our lives. But its impact on society is increasingly being questioned as governments step up efforts to regulate social media networks.
This is the first documentary to examine the app’s effects on users since whistleblower Frances Haugen disclosed internal company research proving Facebook, now known as Meta, was aware of Instagram’s role in exacerbating issues around body image and self-harm for younger users. Meta says the research shows the majority of its users have a positive experience on the platform.
Haugen and a number of former Instagram and Facebook insiders, many speaking on camera for the first time, speak candidly about life inside the company. They reveal details of pivotal moments, such as Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram in 2012, and explain how these decisions shaped Instagram and its values.
The power of the platform is also explored through revealing testimonies from three British users: Lauren, Chenade and Abby. With unflinching honesty, they describe how their lives have been impacted by the app. Lauren was on Instagram for 13 hours per day and found herself increasingly struggling with an eating disorder. Chenade decided to get a Brazilian butt lift, one of the most dangerous cosmetic surgeries in the world, and promote it to her Instagram followers, only to regret her decision soon after. Meanwhile, home-schooled Abby turned to Instagram for solace and found herself sucked into anti-recovery communities who promote self-harm.
Last on
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Director | Erica Jenkin |
Executive Producer | Mike Radford |
Producer | Cristina Criddle |
Broadcasts
- Mon 7 Feb 2022 21:00
- Mon 7 Feb 2022 23:40
- Thu 10 Feb 2022 00:55
- Sat 12 Feb 2022 00:40
- Sun 13 Feb 2022 02:40
- Mon 14 Feb 2022 01:20
- Wed 23 Mar 2022 21:00
- Wed 23 Mar 2022 23:45
- Mon 28 Mar 2022 01:05
- Sat 2 Apr 2022 02:10
- Sun 29 May 2022 21:00
- Mon 30 May 2022 02:05
- Wed 8 Jun 2022 21:00
- Fri 15 Jul 2022 00:55
- Sun 8 Jan 2023 22:30
- Mon 9 Jan 2023 01:45
- Tue 7 Mar 2023 21:00
- Sun 12 Mar 2023 00:10
- Wed 14 Jun 2023 21:00
- Thu 15 Jun 2023 00:55
- Thu 21 Sep 2023 21:55
- Wed 27 Dec 2023 23:30
- Thu 6 Jun 2024 21:00
- Mon 22 Jul 2024 22:00
Featured in...
Mental Wellbeing Season
Famous faces shine a light on mental health issues affecting society today.
Documentaries
A selection of the best documentaries from ±«Óãtv Three!
Mental Health Awareness Season
A selection of programming from ±«Óãtv Three with focus on issues of mental health
Investigative Docs
A selection of ±«Óãtv Three's biggest investigative documentaries.
iPlayer 13-15 ±«Óãtvpage :: Documentaries
iPlayer 13-15 ±«Óãtvpage - Documentaries