Using throwaway accounts on social media, particularly Instagram has been a fascinating phenomenon among youths. This is because there are various dangers surrounding the usage of multiple accounts on social media. Furthermore, this very specific has garnered attention from Damar Anggiafitri Yulissusanti, S.Psi., M.Psi, a psychologist from Universitas Dian Nuswantoro.

Nowadays, social media serves as a haven for youths to express themselves. According to a survey from an Indonesian magazine, there are about 46 percent of youth have throwaway accounts on Instagram. The survey involved 300 randomly sampled respondents.

According to Anggi, second accounts allow individuals to express themselves freely. By using second accounts, individuals could also become more open concerning their daily lives. In addition, image description was also the reason for the possession of throwaway accounts.

“There are indeed many considerations, including the desire to have a different image. For instance, their real personality is generally calm, but they create another account to show their alter-image. Thus, they can freely express themselves,” she revealed.

The lack of confidence among millennials is one of the contributing factors inflicted by the possession of throwaway accounts. This is because they can be freer by concealing their true selves. Furthermore, this very lack of confidence may result in comparing themselves with others.

“Typically, people post on social media to show fun and interesting things. As they see these fun and interesting posts, an individual will unwittingly compare themselves to others, which may lead to mental disorder,” she explained.

Anggi further added that self-comparing to others may also result in said individual being sad and depressed. Moreover, the Fear of Missing Out phenomenon may worsen an individual’s mental stability in using social media.

The Danger of Sharing Problems on Social Media

In addition to the usage of second accounts, Anggi did not deny that there were several individuals using social media to share their problems. Normally, these individuals aim to garner more attention on social media to salvage their lack of attention in real life.

According to her, an individual will not always get a positive response by constantly sharing their problems. There is even a further treatment for these specific individuals. Moreover, she suggested that people share their problems with friends or professionals.

“On social media, they can essentially express what is on their mind by commenting or messaging. Instead of sharing your personal problems with random strangers on social media, try reaching out to someone who truly cares, as they can generally understand and help,” Angi concluded. (Humas Udinus/Alex. Foto: Dok. UCC)