Instagram is a popular photo-sharing app with over 1 billion active users around the world. It is a platform where people share their experiences, travel photos, daily vlogs, and food posts.

People tend to get addicted to it because it gives instant gratification to the users. One of the reasons why many people use Instagram is that it gives them a chance to feel good about themselves, however, it is a double-edged sword when it comes to body image.

Studies have found a connection between Instagram usage and cortisol, the stress hormone. Cortisol is a key hormonal mediator of the body’s response to stress, and it is known to have various physiological effects on the body.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal cortex in the body. It is a steroid hormone that regulates various bodily functions such as energy metabolism, immune function, and blood pressure.

Cortisol levels typically follow a diurnal pattern, with levels being the highest in the morning and gradually declining throughout the day. Cortisol is primarily released in response to stress, whether physical or emotional.

What is the Instagram-cortisol connection?

A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology investigated the effect of Instagram on cortisol levels, and the study found that Instagram use is associated with an increase in cortisol levels.

Researchers measured the cortisol levels of 138 participants before and after using the app for 20 minutes. The study found that users who spent more time on the app, particularly in the evening, had higher cortisol levels than those who spent less time or who used the app in the morning.

The study found that the increased cortisol levels were associated with feelings of anxiety, which is a common side effect of using Instagram excessively.

Why does Instagram increase cortisol levels?

Instagram increases cortisol levels by creating feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and envy among its users.

Instagram is a platform where people share pictures of their best selves, and users who follow fitness, fashion, or beauty influencers are bombarded with images of perfect bodies, outfits, and makeup. The app perpetuates an idealized image of beauty and success, which creates unrealistic expectations among its users and fosters feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

Users compare themselves to others on the platform, and this can contribute to feelings of envy and low self-esteem, which in turn increases cortisol levels.

How to reduce cortisol levels?

If you find that Instagram is making you feel anxious, insecure, or stressed, there are things you can do to reduce cortisol levels and improve your well-being:.

Limit your time on the app. Set a time limit for how long you will spend on Instagram each day, and stick to it.
Follow accounts that make you feel good. Unfollow accounts that make you feel insecure or anxious, and follow accounts that make you feel happy and inspired.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Engage in physical activity. Physical activity can help reduce cortisol levels and improve overall well-being.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is critical for physical and emotional health and can help reduce cortisol levels.

Conclusion

Instagram can be a fun and entertaining platform, but it can also increase cortisol levels among its users.

The app perpetuates an idealized image of beauty and success, which creates unrealistic expectations and fosters feelings of inadequacy and insecurity. If you find that Instagram is making you feel anxious, insecure, or stressed, consider limiting your time on the app, following accounts that make you feel good, practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, and getting enough sleep.

Remember, Instagram is part of our lives, but it should not have a negative impact on our well-being.