Instagram users that follow celebrities like Kim Kardashian have a more negative self-image, according to Facebook research unearthed by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ.)

The news follows the newspaper’s publication of a number of articles about the impact of Facebook platforms like Instagram on the mental health of young people.

This included a report that revealed it had seen leaked internal documents, which the publication posted online on Wednesday, that show Instagram-owner Facebook is aware that the platform is “toxic for teenage girls.”

The research found that appearance-based social comparison on Instagram is common, impacting a third of people, and nearly half of teen girls.

The release of the documents came as the technology giant’s head of safety testified to the US Senate about child protection.

Antigone David reportedly defended Facebook products, saying that Instagram has “affirmatively helped” young people.

According to a report by the BBC, the committee reiterated the company’s internal research that suggests that teenagers blame Instagram for increases in the rate of anxiety and depression.

“We conduct this research, to make our platform better, to minimise the bad and maximise the good and to proactively identify where we can improve,” said Davis in response, as reported by the news broadcaster. "We want our platforms to be a place for meaningful interactions with friends and family and we cannot achieve that goal if people do not feel safe."

The chair of the Senate commerce, science, and transportation committee on consumer protection, product safety, and data security mentioned that in August Facebook had denied any knowledge of research that links poor mental health in young people to Instagram and other platforms.

"We know it chooses the growth of its products over the well-being of our children," said Richard Blumenthal. "And we now know that it is indefensibly delinquent in acting to protect them.

"It is failing to hold itself accountable and the question that haunts me is how can we or parents or anyone trust Facebook."

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