#Likes: Positive Instagram feedback, purpose in life and self-esteem

Authors

Zhanna, Kalinina

Issue Date

2019

Degree

BA (Hons) in Psychology

Publisher

Dublin Business School

Rights

Items in Esource are protected by copyright. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher/copyright holder.

Abstract

Instagram is the fastest growing social network site globally, yet, lamented as the most dam-aging form of self-presentation online. One hundred and twenty three 18-45 year olds com-pleted an online survey formerly created on Google Forms. The study employed both a be-tween subjects and a cross-sectional correlational design. Psychologically validated self-report questionnaires were utilised to elicit frequency of Instagram use, participant’s levels of self-esteem and overall sense of purpose in life. The principal objective of current study was to explore whether Instagram usage, total number of followers and Likes received are predic-tors of one’s self-esteem. Further gender differences were investigated to supplement previ-ous literature. Results demonstrated that female users scored significantly lower on self-esteem in contrast to males. The extent to which self-esteem is sensitive to positive feedback was found contingent upon individuals’ sense of purpose. This study uncovers purpose as a moderator of the self-esteem contingencies that primarily attenuates reactivity to positive stimuli.

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