CYBER ZEN

Category: Case Study

Case Studies of Cyber Zen

  • Scrolling into Sadness — A Teenager’s Experience of Instagram-Induced Anxiety

    List of Contents
    1. Abstract
    2. Keywords
    3. Introduction
    4. Subject Information
    5. Presenting Problem
    6. Methodology of Observation
    7. Intervention
    8. Outcomes and Followup
    9. Discussion
    10. Ethical Consideration
    11. Conclusion
    12. References

    1. Abstract


    This case study explores the psychological impact of social media use on a 17-year-old female student who exhibited anxiety symptoms related to Instagram usage. It examines how features such as curated content, social comparison, and algorithmic feedback loops contribute to the development of low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. The case is discussed through the lens of Social Comparison Theory and FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), with insights for early intervention.

    2. Keywords


    Social Media Anxiety · Instagram · Adolescents · Social Comparison · Cyberpsychology · FoMO · Digital Wellbeing

    3. Introduction


    With the increasing integration of social media into adolescent life, cyberpsychologists have begun to examine the complex interplay between digital environments and mental health. Instagram, a visually driven platform, often becomes a medium for identity shaping, social comparison, and validation seeking. This case study documents the experiences of a teenage user whose emotional well-being was significantly affected by her Instagram interactions.

    4. Subject Information


    Pseudonym: Aanya

    Age: 17

    Gender: Female

    Location: Urban India

    Device Usage: Smartphone (6–7 hours/day), with Instagram accounting for ~4 hours.

    Clinical Background: No formal psychological diagnosis. Occasional anxiety related to academic performance.

    5. Presenting Problem


    Aanya approached the school counselor due to:
    Persistent anxiety after scrolling through Instagram.

    Compulsive mirror-checking behavior.

    Decreased self-esteem after comparing herself with influencers.

    Difficulty focusing on studies.

    Mood fluctuations, irritability, and avoidance of social events.

    She reported deleting and reposting photos multiple times, obsessing over “likes,” and using beauty filters to match perceived beauty standards.

    6. Methodology of Observation


    Structured interviews with the subject and the parent.

    Digital behavior logs (self-reported screen time and emotional journaling).

    Content analysis of followed pages and saved reels.

    Psychoeducational assessment through digital wellness scales (unpublished, qualitative).

    7. Intervention


    Digital Literacy Counseling

    Psychoeducation on algorithmic behavior and curated realities.

    Digital Detox Plan (14 Days)

    Monitored and supported by counselor and parent.

    Positive Feed Re-Design

    Unfollowing accounts triggers comparison.

    Following body positivity, mental health advocates, and wellness creators.

    Emotional Regulation Training

    Journaling after screen use.

    Breathing and grounding exercises before sleep.

    Offline Engagement Promotion

    Yoga, reading challenges, and local volunteering.

    8. Outcome and Follow-up


    After two months of intervention:
    Daily Instagram use reduced to under 2 hours.

    Self-esteem scores (qualitatively assessed) showed improvement.

    Physical symptoms of anxiety (nausea, restlessness) subsided.

    Aanya gave a school presentation on “Social Media and Self-Worth”—marking restored confidence.

    9. Discussion


    This case supports the Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) in a digital context. Instagram’s highlight-reel structure encourages upward social comparison, particularly in adolescents whose identity is still forming. Aanya’s behavior also reflected FoMO, driven by the illusion of others leading better or more exciting lives.
    Algorithmic reinforcement further sustained this loop—showing her more content she engaged with emotionally, including beauty influencers and transformation videos. As such, the platform acted as a psychological mirror, amplifying self-doubt and anxiety.

    10. Ethical Considerations


    Names and identifiable details have been changed.

    The subject and parent gave informed verbal consent for using the anonymized experience for educational publication.

    This case is intended to raise awareness and is not diagnostic or prescriptive.

    11. Conclusion


    This case illustrates the critical role of cyberpsychology in understanding adolescent well-being in digital contexts. It emphasizes the need for early digital literacy, conscious media consumption, and emotional education among young users. Future interventions could benefit from integrating AI-based wellness tools for proactive guidance.

    📚 References


    Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140.

    Przybylski, A. K., et al. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841–1848.

    Chou, H. T. G., & Edge, N. (2012). “They are happier and having better lives than I am”: The impact of using Facebook on perceptions of others’ lives. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 117–121.

  • Digital Parenting – A Cause of Stress Among Office Going Parents

    Digital Parenting – A Cause of Stress Among Office Going Parents

    What is digital parenting

    Digital parenting is a new aspect of parenting that focuses on the digital upbringing of children. Its need has emerged due to the high exposure of children to digital media and the Internet. It involves nurturing the kids to develop healthy habits around technology and the Internet, which is a challenging task. The biggest responsibility of a digital parent is to make their child Internet mature. It includes guiding the kids to capitalize on online opportunities, protecting them from online dangers and threats, and making them responsible digital citizens.

    As with children, parents too are exposed to digital media, that’s why they understand how vulnerable the children can be on the Internet. A parent always keeps worrying about what kind of content their child must be watching on the Internet. While using social media, there is a risk of children talking to strangers who can be predators.

    Online Threats and Dangers

    There are online threats of cyberbullying, stalking, grooming, identity theft and more. Longer screen time can cause many physical problems with children. All these recurring thoughts keep making the parent anxious and stressed.

    Home makers or working from home parents can keep an eye on the digital activity of their child up to an extent. They can check in between and keep a track on them. What about office going parents?  Since they spend a good chunk of time away from their children this anxiety gets heightened. They always feel stressed in the anticipation of what their children might be doing in the digital world.

    Role of Parental Control Tools

    Some parents may exercise some control on their kid’s online activity through parental control software or apps. However it can only curb the child’s access through a particular device.  But there can be multiple devices available to them, such as their friends’ or grandparents’. Parental control will restrict few pornographic, violent, or gambling websites. However it is just a small part of a whole ocean of age inappropriate content.

    Solution

    In order to put all of these worries to rest, every parent must strive to become a digital leader in addition to being a digital parent. Only then they will be able to fulfill their digital parenting responsibility of making their child Internet mature. It is the need of the hour and an urgent demand of the 21st century.

    To know how a digital parent can become a digital leader, read this blog article. To learn more about what is internet maturity explore iMature.in

    If you are an office going parent then you’re welcome to share your digital parenting experiences in the comment section.