Instagram Introduces New Policies for Cosmetic Surgery and Diet Posts
Instagram has announced new rules for posts on cosmetic surgery and weight loss products. This is a huge win for body positivity campaigners like Jameela Jamil who have for a long time raised concern about the impact of promoting diet products to young people.
How It All Started
It all started with one powerful message on Instagram. Jameela Jamil, a 33-old actress, shared the message after she was sick and tired of women being judged by how much they weigh. That is how I weigh movement started.
Instagram Has Always Been Blamed for Increased Teenage Mental Health Issues
There has always been concern about the impact of cosmetic surgery, detox, and diet content on the physical and mental health of young people. Numerous studies conclude that Instagram might be to blame for the increase in eating disorders in teenagers. Instagram is also blamed for the increased interest in plastic surgery among young people.
Instagram Responds to Concerns
Instagram finally responded to these concerns by making a few changes.
However, it is important to note that Instagram’s advertising policies never allowed for the promotion of cosmetic procedures and weight loss products. However, they were promoted by celebrities and influencers in organic posts. Thus, there was the need for additional policies.
These new Changes Affect Organic Posts
Posts promoting “miraculous” weight loss products will be removed. Posts that promote certain cosmetic procedures or weight loss products that include a price or an incentive to buy; will be hidden from users below 18 years.
According to Instagram’s public policy manager Emma Collins, these new measures are part of a strategy for making Instagram a positive place for everyone. People can at times feel pressure as a result of social media influences.
Final Thoughts
These recent changes and updates and especially important to those who sell and operate business who sell such product and for influencers/brand ambassadors. As a brand owner, your marketing strategies will need to be adjusted if you use paid advertisements and influencers to promote your brand and products. For influencers, you may need to either reject particular offers or modify your promotional methods and strategies on Instagram to ensure your posts do not get flagged and removed with the new updates.
