The influence of Instagram on mental well-being and purchasing decisions in a pandemic

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121287Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • New questionnaire tool (Instagram Usage Questionnaire) was developed.

  • Instagram has no negative influence on its users' current mental well-being.

  • Instagram users don't make the purchase decisions based on Instagram ads.

  • Prolonged/frequent use of social media can have a negative impact on self-esteem.

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to investigate Instagram's impact on users’ mental well-being and behavior (including purchasing activity) during the pandemic.

The study was conducted on 359 respondents who stated that they used Instagram regularly. Three questionnaire tools were implemented: the Instagram Usage Questionnaire (original tool), the MSEI Multidimensional Self-Esteem Inventory by O'Brien and Epstein, and the Personal Data Sheet (original tool).

Significant negative correlations were obtained between self-esteem components: self-control, competence, lovability, identity integration, defensive self-enhancement, frequency, and intensity of social media use. The respondents declared no negative influence of Instagram on their current mental well-being. One group (21.2%) considered the influence beneficial to their mental well-being. Observing others’ Instagram profiles did not influence the activity of (most) users, including changing appearance, lifestyle, or making purchase decisions. Moreover, most respondents declared not making purchase decisions based on Instagram ads. The analysis of differences between purchasing and nonpurchasing groups showed significant discrepancies in these self-esteem components: likability, personal power, and competence. Significant differences regarding physical attractiveness, overall self-esteem, lovability, likability, personal power, competence, and vitality were reported between men who made purchase decisions based on Instagram messages and those who did not. Among women, these differences concerned only defensive self-enhancement.

The results confirm that prolonged/frequent use of social media can have a negative impact on self-esteem (including identity integration and self-control). However, a positive impact of Instagram on mental well-being was observed. Following (mostly) acquaintances (not influencers) and not undertaking activity (regarding purchasing decisions of Instagram-advertised products) may indicate emerging changes in society due to the pandemic.

Keywords

Self-esteem
Purchase decisions
Instagram
COVID-19

Cited by (0)

Marcin W. Staniewski, Ph.D. is an academic from the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw. He has been working as a scientists and academic teacher since 2000 and since 2019 as Vice Rector for Science. He has received several prestigious awards and he is the author of a number of publications. His-main area of expertise is human resources management, innovativeness, knowledge management, entrepreneurship and e-business. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000–0003–1913–6007

Katarzyna Awruk – Master's Degree in psychology, specializing in clinical psychology. For the last few years, she has been cooperating with the Psychology department of the University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw. Her research mainly focuses on two subject areas: the importance of family in entrepreneurial success and family systems in formation of body image. She combines her scientific activity and research with psychological practice (participated in many trainings, practices cognitive behavioral therapy). She coauthored numerous scientific publications. ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000–0003–3068–6309