The relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health: A systematic review

Abstract

The rise of Instagram has prompted researchers to examine its effects on mental health, yet an overview of the current literature is missing. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize research investigating the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health such as self-reported well-being, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, and indicators of body image and disordered eating. Next, we aimed to provide an overview of possible key psychological variables that may be involved in the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health, including social comparison, self-esteem, indicators of body image and disordered eating, self-presentation and belonginess factors. Our systematic search on Web of Science and Scopus led to the identification of 93 eligible articles. To sufficiently map the complexity of the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health, we organized the research findings of every variable into four categories: Instagram membership, intensity of Instagram use, type of use and Instagram content and characteristics of Instagram profile. Most evidence has been obtained for the relationships between Instagram use and social comparison, body image, and disordered eating outcomes. Evidence for the relation between Instagram use and the other variables is inconclusive and, for certain constructs, still scarce. Therefore, more longitudinal and experimental research designs are needed to further support and extend these initial findings.

Keywords

• Instagram
• Social media
• Mental health
• Well-being
• Systematic review