JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The widespread utilization of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram, 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:

The study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50, 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 (SCS), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-14), and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ), spanning from January 23rd to February 25th, 2022.

Results:

A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and Self-Criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over three hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than one hour or between 1-3 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), those who primarily viewed beauty/fashion content reported higher Self-Criticism scores compared to those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports/fitness or family/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, two variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.