Abstract:
The current study sought to examine the psychological cohort effects of increased Instagram use in adolescents. Specifically, the associations between Instagram usage and depressive symptoms were examined. Furthermore, the construct of social comparison was measured and investigated as a mediating factor, or a variable that helped to explain the relationship between Instagram usage and depressive symptoms. Briefly, hypotheses included elevated Instagram consumption being associated with elevated levels of social comparison, Instagram usage being associated with elevated levels of depressive symptoms, and finally, Instagram usage being associated with elevated levels of depressive symptoms through social comparison. Results indicated that there is a significant relationship between using Instagram and engaging in more social comparisons while on Instagram. In contrast, there was not a significant relationship between Instagram usage and depressive symptoms directly or indirectly through social comparison.
Description:
Dissertation completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology at Alfred University, Alfred, NY.
