Instagram influencer breaks down over Instagram removing likes

CAUTION: This article contains posts containing coarse language. 

An Instagram influencer has broken down following the announcement from Instagram that it would hide likes from other users. 

Mikaela Testa has broken down in tears on camera, claiming she's "suffering" from Instagram's recent changes to posts.

The Melbourne Instagram user, who has less than 50,000 followers on her two accounts, removed herself from the social media page for one day, protesting Instagram's decision to remove likes in a bid to improve mental health.

Photo / Instagram

"If you think this is okay you can f**k off, it's actually a sad day for those who have Instagram as a job," she wrote to her followers on Facebook.

"Regardless of what you may think Instagram is a REAL job and those in the industry have worked hard to get where they're at. It's people that aren't even in the industry that think it's a f**king joke. It's not, it's real damage out here."

"I've put my blood sweat and tears into this for it to be ripped away, it's not just me suffering too, it's every brand and business I know. Instagram isn't even doing this for mental health they're just doing it so they can control all engagement so more businesses run their adverts through Instagram essentially giving them more $, they don't care about your feelings."

The influencer also shared a video of herself crying on Instagram, claiming she would take a break from social media.

"I will have a really big break from social media for a while because it is really just … I know mentally Instagram for me is a problem and I can't even accept that so I am just going to leave for maybe a couple of weeks so I can get back on track."

However, her break didn't last long as a day a later as she posted a photo of herself in a short red skirt, saying: "ok break is over".

She later claimed her tears had nothing to do with Instagram's new changes.

"I have the ugliest crying face, say what you want this is raw content, that's what this account is for, leaving social media for the first time ever," she wrote on the original post.

She then added: "Since there are a few rude people misinterpreting this video, this has nothing to do with insta removing likes that is the dumbest thing I've heard, this has everything to do with the disgusting hurtful comments and messages I've received over the past week and I just need a break."

On Facebook, some mocked Mikaela's emotional outburst, telling her to get a "real" job.

"Welcome to the real world," one person wrote.

Another said: "Get a life and a job while you're at."

"Guuurl needs to get back in touch with reality," another person wrote.

However others backed the struggling influencer with messages of support.

"I can't even read the comments they're so disgusting, stay strong," one fan said.

Another wrote: "I actually see a point with influencers as it is a means of income for them through being paid brand ambassadors for businesses. The bigger the platform the higher the chances of getting the gig."

This article was originally published at nzherald.co.nz and is reproduced here with permission