Citation

Varaona A, Alvarez-Mon MA, Serrano-Garcia I, Díaz-Marsá M, Looi JCL, Molina-Ruiz RM. J. Med. Internet. Res. 2024; 26: e51957.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Centre for Global eHealth Innovation)

DOI

10.2196/51957

PMID

39088263

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users' levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction.

METHODS: This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022.

RESULTS: A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction-2 variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Spain; Self Concept; Adolescent; mental health; body; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; depression; Self-Assessment; Spanish; social media; self-compassion; self-esteem; association; Personal Satisfaction; *Body Dissatisfaction/psychology; *Empathy; *Social Media/statistics & numerical data; appearance; body dissatisfaction; correlation; depressive; dissatisfaction; Hispanic; Instagram; mental wellbeing; psychological; satisfaction; self-criticism; self-worth; usage