Your Voice: Teen accounts on Instagram, lying flat for too long (long letters)

Meta’s recently-introduced “teen accounts” for Instagram in the Asia-Pacific region are a significant and necessary step toward creating a safer online environment for young users.

Like many social media platforms, Instagram has faced criticism for its potential adverse effects on teenagers. This move shows recognition of the need to protect younger audiences.

One of the primary concerns with Instagram is its content recommendation system. Before the teen accounts were introduced, there were no limits on the types of reels the platform suggested to users. This meant teenagers could easily be exposed to violent language, harmful behaviour and other inappropriate content. Over time, exposure could lead young users to believe these behaviours are acceptable or normal.

By introducing teen accounts, Instagram can implement stricter content filters and ensure that younger users are not exposed to material that is unsuitable for their age group.

Another critical issue is the lack of restrictions on screen time for users under 18.

Without limits, teenagers can spend hours scrolling through their feeds, often late into the night. This habit can disrupt their sleep, leaving them tired and unfocused the next day. Poor sleep not only affects their ability to concentrate in school but can also lead to a decline in academic performance over time.

Teen accounts could address this by incorporating features that remind users to take breaks or set daily time limits, helping young people develop healthier digital habits.

What Hong Kong students, psychologist think of Instagram’s new Teen Accounts

Privacy is another area where Instagram falls short. Many teenagers value their privacy and prefer to keep their personal lives confidential. However, the platform’s current guidelines do not provide enough protection, leaving young users vulnerable to risks such as data breaches.

However, teen accounts have stricter privacy settings by default, ensuring that younger users have greater control over who can view their content and interact with them online.

While introducing teen accounts is a positive step, more can be done to create a safer and more supportive online environment.

Instagram could collaborate with schools and community organisations to provide workshops on digital literacy. These workshops could teach teenagers how to identify harmful content, protect their privacy and combat cyberbullying.

Additionally, guides can be created for parents, helping them discuss social media use with their children and navigate challenges together as a family.

Promoting positive content is another way Instagram can foster a healthier online culture. The platform could highlight accounts that focus on body positivity, mental health and personal growth, encouraging young users to engage with uplifting and inspiring material. Campaigns that encourage users to share positive experiences or achievements could also help build a more supportive community.

Instagram can create a more comprehensive approach to protecting teens, addressing immediate concerns and promoting a healthier online culture.

Emily Tsai Cheuk-lam, St Paul’s Secondary School

A “lying flat” trend is spreading among young people. This is worrying as it appears to hurt teenagers’ personal and career development.

The term refers to rejecting a work-oriented lifestyle and societal stresses. Instead, people focus only on meeting their basic needs and doing the bare minimum.

Lying flat is popular because students are in an emotional swamp made up of uncertainty about their future careers, academic pressure, negative emotions and social expectations.

Because of this, teenagers desire comfort and simplicity and lack the motivation to work and improve. Lying flat allows them to take a break from their stressful lives.

However, lying flat for too long may bring serious, unwanted consequences.

Challenges and competition strengthen one’s ability to tackle problems and build resilience. If young people refuse to face difficulty and failure, they might struggle to grow and develop.

Disengaging with school and extracurricular activities will sever connections with others, causing young people to lose their sense of belonging and communication skills.

It may even lead to serious social isolation.

If young people are lacking interpersonal skills, it may become more challenging for them to adapt to working environments. This will be a stumbling block on their career paths.

Being passive and inactive in school will also result in gaps in students’ transcripts and resumes.

It is undeniable that lying flat gives students the space to unwind and relax, but getting used to this state will see more drawbacks than advantages.

Why are Hong Kong teens ‘lying flat’? For some, it’s ‘not as stressful’

Schools must actively lead students back on the right track, stopping them from lying flat by offering career guidance and the opportunity to participate in projects that cover diverse disciplines and fields.

Through a career guidance programme, students will explore their interests and discover their potential. With a clear target, they will not feel aimless. And projects will serve as a platform to get in touch with their aspirations.

Under these circumstances – where clear opportunities are provided – students will feel supported and be more likely to step out of their comfort zone and broaden their horizons.

In conclusion, lying flat may not be harmful, allowing teenagers to remove themselves from their difficult circumstances. However, lying flat for too long is disadvantageous.

To avoid allowing this trend to become a widespread problem, schools can respond appropriately, for example, with career guidance to help students find a direction and encourage them to pursue their dreams.