Analysing Coping Strategies of Teenage Girls Towards Instagram’s Algorithmic Bias

Social media platforms encourage connection, community, and expression, but have also been associated with negative consequences like social comparison and anxiety. This study examines how algorithms on Instagram, a popular platform heavily used by teenage girls, exacerbate these negative experiences. While prior research explores social media's downsides, it often overlooks the specific impact on this crucial demographic. Employing a critical feminist lens with an intersectional approach, we explore how race, gender, location, and socio-economic status shape online interactions for teenage girls. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with Instagram users reveal that algorithmic curation intensifies negative social comparison, impacting their platform usage and creativity. These findings align with existing literature highlighting the vulnerability of teenage girls on social media. This research informs policymakers by exposing the gendered inequities driven by algorithms. By understanding these complexities, we can advocate for policies that protect vulnerable users and promote healthier online experiences for teenage girls.