"The bikini rule".

Social media has changed and influenced so much in a relatively short period of time. Although its benefits and advantages are undeniable, it's also quite frightening to see the impact it has had on the younger generation. An article published in The New York Times this week described the "bikini rule". While participating in a focus group on digital media, one girl of middle-school age, (between 11 and 14 FYI), said the 'rule' dictates when you should/shouldn't share a photo of you wearing a bikini.

"You can post a bikini or bathing suit picture only if you are with your siblings or your family in the picture".

This would suggest you shouldn't try too hard to be attractive and then the likes and comments will flood in. The reality is of course that people are trying harder than ever, thinking every picture through before posting it, at an age where life should be easy and carefree. When teenagers reach high-school age, 14+, things change and bikini pictures are now viewed as acceptable and often "body positive". This isn't the only rule teenagers have been applying to Instagram either, with some limiting the type of posts shared. For example, vacations can be seen as bragging and therefore should be vetoed while some believe the amount of images shared from one event or party is crucial, with three being the maximum number allowed. It is frightening and indeed eye-opening to see that this is how teens view a social media platform such as Instagram and it clearly has a huge impact on their happiness, confidence, and emotional well-being. You can read the piece in full here.