Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

10-2024

Abstract

With Instagram influencers holding significant sway over public perception, their presumed psychological impact on young adults has gathered public attention. It has been claimed that influencers, known for showcasing enviable lifestyles, have the potential to affect their followers’ well-being. However, these claims have been based on correlational data that focuses on diffused indicators of social media consumption rather than specific features of Instagram. This limits our insight into the direct effects of Instagram on well-being. We experimentally investigated the effects of a brief exposure to Instagram influencers on the well-being. Our results showed that viewing profiles of demographically similar social media influencers is sufficient to increase envy and upward social comparison but has negligible effects on self-esteem and well-being. However, after statistical adjustments are made, we found no evidence that exposure to influencer impacts well-being. Past claims that Instagram influences well-being may have been overstated.

Keywords

Social media, well-being, self-esteem, Instagram, Influence

Discipline

Social Media | Social Psychology | Social Psychology and Interaction

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Current Psychology

First Page

1

Last Page

3

ISSN

1046-1310

Identifier

10.1007/s12144-024-06821-9

Publisher

Springer

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06821-9

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