BETWEEN LIKES AND ANXIETY: UNDERSTANDING INSTAGRAM ADDICTION'S ROLE IN APPEARANCE CONCERNS

Abstract

Intense use of Instagram and comparable social media networks can have adverse effects on an individual's psychological health and overall wellness. This research aimed to explore the mediating role of addiction to Instagram in the relationship between the duration of Instagram use and anxiety over physical appearance. A total of 203 young adults, hailing from Suceava County in Romania and aged between 19 and 23 years old (mean age = 20.7, standard deviation = 0.86), responded to an online self-report questionnaire. The study utilized the Physical Appearance State and Traits Anxiety Scale, Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, along with specific scales for Instagram Feed Addiction (IFA) and Instagram Stories Addiction (ISA). Using mediation in Jamovi, findings revealed that addiction to Instagram and to its Feed feature act as mediators in the link between average daily time spent on Instagram and anxiety related to physical appearance traits. However, addiction to Instagram Stories did not show a significant mediating effect. This research highlights the connection between Instagram addiction and concerns over appearance, underscoring the importance of management of screen time and the role of parental guidance in early education for prevention.

Keywords

• physical appearance
• trait anxiety
• social media addiction
• time spent on Instagram
• young adults