ANALYSING INSTAGRAM'S ENERGY CONSUMPTION: TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY USE

(1) Background: The internet's widespread use has made social media platforms (SMPs) an integral part of everyday life, transforming global communication and information sharing. Instagram, one of the leading SMPs, has 500 million daily users and offers various functionalities, such as stories and posts. However, the environmental impact of using these platforms remains largely unexplored. (2) Methods: Using the FEETINGS framework, this paper investigates the energy consumption of Instagram by conducting measurement studies of various functionalities on both tablets and PCs. (3) Results: The study found significant differences in energy consumption across different Instagram features. Sharing videos in stories and reels was identified as one of the most energy-intensive activities, and device choice was found to influence overall energy consumption, with PCs consuming more energy than tablets. (4) Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of optimising Instagram use for greater energy efficiency. Prioritising energy-efficient features and considering device choice can mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainable digital practices