PSYC 384 The Effect of Instagram on Appearance, Self-esteem, and Social Approval

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the impact of Instagram use on self-esteem and social approval, and examine the relations between Instagram use effects and personality traits. Data were collected from 200 participants (average age 22.32 years) during the Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire that included nine original items measuring the effects of Instagram use, and published measures of social media addiction, negative emotionality, and narcissism. Results indicated that males and females did not differ in amount of time they spent using social media in general, including Instagram. Females reported significantly higher levels of self-esteem problems related to Instagram use. A different pattern of personality traits predicted self-esteem problems in males versus females. Higher levels of self-concept problems for males were associated with higher levels of negative emotionality components, namely emotional volatility and depression. Higher levels of self-concept problems for females were associated with higher levels of social media addiction. It may be that males who are prone to higher levels of these traits would be more concerned about their social media presence, and perhaps use Instagram in order to enhance their self-concept. Regarding females, social media addiction may contribute to an obsession with one’s appearance and social media image, thus increasing the motivation to use Instagram to enhance one’s presence. Future research should investigate self-image problems associated with Instagram use and other personality traits.